Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Pat "The Shooter" Bradley, co-host of "The Zone" files this "Calling the Hogs" column on Razorback basketball as well as getting to see the Jermain Taylor win recently over Jeff Lacy up close in Nashville (the column was filed before Wednesday night's Hogs win over South Alabama):

I finally got a chance to watch this year's UA basketball squad up close and personal for the season opener from the new courtside seats in Bud Walton Arena.  I also brought my father along so he could soak up scene, even though he forgot how to do the Hog Call (let him slide, it's been awhile).  He was in for a short visit and we were lucky enough to also catch the beat down Jermain Taylor put on Jeff Lacy in Nashville.

Taylor looked great.  I'm hoping for Calzaghe next, even if it's in Wales that I'll be headed. I'm sure Team Taylor would like that fight a little closer to home.  But the way I see it: no sunshine, rain all day, bad teeth and plenty of pints. Sounds like fight night to me!

With only being able to watch the basketball team in person once, here are some thoughts:

I like how junior forward Michael Washington wants the ball and is more aggressive this year. Redshirt freshman forward Michael Sanchez is a lot bigger than you think (or maybe it's his hair). Guard Courtney Fortson is relentless, strong and has a lot of bounce. Guard Rotnei Clarke can hit every shot when he's on balance and half of them when he's not, and yes he's more than a shooter. 

Oh yeah, and the free popcorn and soft drinks sitting courtside can't be beat. Those seats are fantastic and worth every penny, just take it easy on the refs.

The Hogs will no doubt need Washington and Sanchez to play big and physical inside. Sanchez seems to already understand his value to this team. Coach Pelphrey knows exactly what lies ahead for these young Hogs, but he's still waiting to see how his team reacts and grows up. It's an understatement to say they haven't played SEC caliber teams, so guys may not be able to put up the same personal numbers throughout this season but I like the mentality they brought to this game, an overtime win over Southeastern Louisiana.

I've always believed players will succeed under a coach who they share some similar personality traits in order to relate with one another. It allows the coach a way to motivate and teach in their own way while connecting with the player. From what I know of Coach Pelphrey is he is certainly passionate but more importantly he always seems ready to perform. No one can argue his intensity but I'm more impressed with his focus and awareness in games. 

I guess it could be described as always being "in the moment." He's similar to that off the court as well, forever aware of his surroundings.

I'm not going to make any sort of predictions for this team. It's too early, they're too young, and what's the point anyway? I might be wrong and then everyone will spend their time criticizing me. I suggest we enjoy the ups and deal with any downs. Coach Pel will get this ship sailing in the right direction as long as the players can learn to take the skipper's personality onto the court.