Arkansas men’s basketball has added Pacific to its nonconference schedule for the upcoming season, marking the first-ever meeting between the Razorbacks and the Tigers. The game against Pacific is the eighth nonconference matchup to be reported for the 2024-25 season, as new head coach John Calipari prepares for his first season at the helm.
In addition to the game against Pacific, the Razorbacks will face a variety of opponents in their nonconference slate. This includes matchups against Arkansas-Little Rock, Illinois, Miami, Michigan, Central Arkansas, North Carolina A&T, and Oakland. These games will provide a mix of challenges for the team as they prepare for SEC play.
Coach Darrell Walker of UALR has indicated that the games against Arkansas, Illinois, and Maryland-Eastern Shore are part of a multi-team event, suggesting that the Razorbacks may also schedule a game against Maryland-Eastern Shore. This will give the team additional opportunities to compete against different opponents and test their skills.
While the SEC opponents for Arkansas have been announced, specific dates and times for these matchups will be revealed at a later date. Fans can look forward to the release of the SEC schedule, which is expected to be announced soon.
In addition to their nonconference schedule, Arkansas will also play a preseason exhibition against TCU in Dallas and potentially host Kansas in another exhibition game. These matchups will provide valuable experience for the team as they prepare for the regular season.
Pacific, the Razorbacks‘ upcoming opponent, is coming off a challenging season with a 6-26 record. The Tigers made significant changes in their coaching staff, bringing in new head coach Dave Smart to lead the team. With a roster overhaul that saw the departure of several players to the transfer portal and graduation, Pacific has added nine newcomers to the team.
Among the new additions to Pacific’s roster is Elijah Fisher, a transfer from DePaul who was the second-leading scorer for the Blue Demons. Fisher is expected to play a key role for the Tigers this season. Additionally, Elias Ralph, a transfer from the University of Victoria in Canada, brings scoring and rebounding prowess to the team.
Arkansas, under Coach Calipari, has assembled a diverse roster that includes returning players, transfers from notable programs, and talented freshmen. The team will look to blend experience and youth as they aim for success in the upcoming season.
Overall, the addition of Pacific to Arkansas‘ nonconference schedule adds another intriguing matchup to an already exciting slate of games. Fans can look forward to seeing how the Razorbacks fare against a new opponent and how the team continues to develop under Coach Calipari’s leadership.