JC Hoops

My current top five for the 2026 NBA Draft:

1 A.J. Dybantsa
2 Cam Boozer
3 Darryn Peterson
4 Caleb Wilson
5 Darius Acuff Jr.

I had Nate Ament fourth on my board coming in, but the production hasn't been there. He is picking up his play recently though.

@JacksonCollier Since the search is over, I'll share what I heard behind the scenes. Worth noting, this isn't confirmed intel or 100% accurate, just what I was told from reliable sources along the search process: Arkansas wasn't planning on moving from Neighbors unless they could land Molly Miller. They thought they could, and almost did, but ultimately she is most likely headed to Arizona State (won't discuss what l've heard on reasons for that). That led to Arkansas turning to a new candidate list: Dawn Thornton, Destinee Rogers, Kelsi Musick, Angie Nelp, Jacie Hoyt, and Karen Aston. Rogers got an extension at Arkansas State. Other candidate(s) want the Houston job. Led the admin to scramble and try to make a hire that could at least equate to Neighbors, which led to Musick. Not a bad hire on paper, but unless the university actually invests in WBB, it won't matter. Neighbors was given essentially zero resources - it wouldn't matter who the coach was last year in that situation.

This is @jacksoncollier.bsky.social on the women’s hire and it makes a ton of sense. It’s time to invest our let a legacy coach just ride out the program (Chelsea Dungee is sitting in Tulsa waiting).

Former players, coaches remember Nolan Richardson's legacy Former Arkansas players and coaches under Nolan Richardson recount memories and lessons they learned from the legend.

The legacy of Nolan Richardson, as told by former players, coaches from his era:

“The things he had to go through… nah. Nobody should’ve gone through that."

Battling adversity, persevering, and still choosing to love - the Richardson legacy at Arkansas:

arkansas.rivals.com/news/former-...

Per source: John Calipari, Chin Coleman, and Kenny Payne are in to watch five-star and Rivals No. 4 player Nate Ament tonight. #wps

Now official. #wps

Seems to be.

That one was a Christmas present from my dad! First edition copy, so it’s pretty legit. Sounds great, too.

Good month on the record front.

At Barnhill South! Beat North Carolina and Texas back to back to get to the E8 and Final Four. What a time

SOURCES: Arkansas is set to honor the 1990 Final Four team at halftime of the Missouri game on Sat., Feb. 22nd. While this is not yet official, sources have indicated members of the 1990 team are planning on being in attendance. Marks the first time that team is to be solely honored officially. #wps

Book No. 5:

Peter Criss finds his voice and tells a side of KISStory hidden by Gene and Paul. The rawest and realest memoir I’ve read, The Cat paints a gruesome and charming picture of success, failure, and redemption.

4.75/5

Book No. 4 of the year:

Very well researched. 4.75/5

Hard to read from a literary standpoint. Very dense. 3.25/5.

Overall: 4/5

Best music biography/autobiography/oral history you’ve ever read? I’ll start:

Yeah, over 15 a game is no bueno haha.

4) Earn extra possessions on the offensive glass
- It's one of the worst areas of Michigan's team, allowing offensive rebounds. Have to attack that and take advantage of that.

3) Finish at the rim
- Might seem simple but the Michigan defense has a tendency to allow guards to get to the rim but will contest those shots heavily. Have to finish through the contests and through contact.

2) Force turnovers
- Arkansas' offense is at its best when the defense is forcing turnovers and the offense can get out and run. With the Wolverines struggling in that department, the Hogs have to take advantage.

Arkansas' keys to victory tonight over Michigan:

1) Communicate on defense
- Absolutely cannot get beat in the pick and roll game off blown assignments and lack of communication. Have to be very fundamentally sound.

HOGS. PLAY. TODAY.

Jonas Aidoo getting the start for Arkansas today.

Need him to continue shaking rust off for the Michigan game.

HOGS. PLAY. TODAY.

Arkansas TE Luke Hasz announced he is entering the transfer portal. #wps

Arkansas will host Fresno State transfer WR Raylen Sharpe on December 11th, he announced on his X page. The speedster amassed over 500 receiving yards this past season and added three touchdowns. #wps

Arkansas starting OL Patrick Kutas is entering the transfer portal, according to Matt Zenitz of 247.

Played in and started four games this season to preserve his redshirt after dealing with an injury. Would have likely started again next season... interesting move.

Counting Crows teasing new music in 2025. I’m giddy.

Arkansas metrics, 12/5/24:

BPI: 42
KenPom: 43
T-Rank: 43
SOR: 48
NET: 53
WAB: 67
KPI: 69

For a man who wrote millions of words and asked thousands of questions, no words really do his impact justice - as a journalist or as a man. Bob Holt was kind, generous, caring, and just an overall gem.

Rest in peace to a legend. Praying for him, his family, and his friends.

Arkansas receivers who could be active for the bowl game (so far - subject to change)

- Isaac TeSlaa
- Tyrone Broden
- Khafre Brown
- Bryce Stephens
- Jordan Anthony
- CJ Brown
- Dazmin James
- Monte Harrison
- Krosse Johnson
- Zach Taylor
- Kamron Bobby
- Walker Catsavis
- Jace Petty
- Rykar Acebo

Isaiah Sategna entering the portal. Interesting decision, to say the least. Was productive this year and would’ve been the only main contributor back in the WR room.

Lot of targets to keep an eye on to fill that room, though.