The upcoming matchup between the Arkansas men’s basketball team and Arkansas-Little Rock at Bud Walton Arena on Nov. 22 is sure to be an exciting game for fans of both teams. This will only be the second official meeting between the two teams, with the Razorbacks coming out on top in their previous matchup in 2021. The Trojans, led by former Arkansas All-America guard Darrell Walker, have shown promise with two regular-season conference titles under his coaching tenure.
Walker expressed his excitement for the upcoming game, noting that playing in an SEC arena like Bud Walton Arena will provide a great environment for his team. The Trojans are coming off a successful 21-13 season, where they clinched the OVC regular-season title. Key players like KK Robinson and Makhel Mitchell, both former Razorbacks, have been instrumental in the team’s success and are listed as graduate students on the Trojans‘ roster for the upcoming season.
In addition to their returning players, UALR has added standout transfers like Jonathan Lawson from Memphis and Mwani Wilkinson from LSU. The team also boasts JUCO talent and rising freshmen, showcasing a well-rounded roster for the upcoming season. While the Trojans have seen some players transfer out, they have also brought in new talent to bolster their lineup.
The game against UALR is just one of several exciting matchups for the Razorbacks in the upcoming season under new coach John Calipari. The team will also face off against Illinois in a neutral-site game in Kansas City, take on Miami in the ACC/SEC Challenge, and play in the Jimmy V. Classic against Michigan at Madison Square Garden. Additionally, the Razorbacks will have games against Central Arkansas and Oakland before diving into their SEC schedule.
While the dates and times for the SEC matchups have yet to be announced, fans can expect an action-packed season for the Razorbacks. Calipari has hinted at potential preseason exhibitions against TCU and Kansas, adding even more excitement to the upcoming season. With a mix of returning talent and new additions, the Arkansas men’s basketball team is poised for success in the 2024-25 season. The game against UALR will serve as a great test for both teams and will undoubtedly be a must-watch for basketball fans.