No. 12 Arkansas opens against Pine Bluff with top recruiting class

No. 12 Arkansas opens its season against Arkansas-Pine Bluff with the nation’s top recruiting class and another roster reshaped by NBA departures. Freshman guard Jordan Smith Jr. is expected to take over as the primary ball-handler, alongside returning wing Billy Richmond III and transfer guard Jeremiah Wilkinson, as coach John Calipari tries to defend the Razorbacks’ SEC tournament title. Arkansas won both preseason exhibitions, but Calipari said the team still has significant work to do after it let Memphis cut into a large lead. He has particularly pointed to inconsistent physicality and one-on-one defense, issues the young team will need to address as the season progresses.