Welcome to the State of Arkansas, where a calendar flip to December changes the state’s sports focus. Few places in the country are like the Natural State when it comes to change. Few state flagship schools have basketball programs that are far superior to their football team. It’s been the case with the Razorbacks for the better part of the last 30 years. The better part, mind you, not literally every season of the last 30 years. Relax, literalists.
Only, nowadays, in a world of perpetual doom and damnation, the focus is hardly excitement. Arkansas basketball entered the season with solid, clear NCAA Tournament expectations and most outsiders thought the Hogs could challenge for another Sweet 16, or even Elite Eight, run, like they did in the heyday of Eric Musselman’s tenure.