One of the better college basketball jobs in the country is now open. Eric Musselman is leaving for the vacant USC job, and now it’s up to the Arkansas brass to make a big swing late in the coaching carousel. Musselman took Arkansas to three straight, second-weekend appearances in the NCAA Tournament. The Razorbacks own a rabid fanbase with outstanding resources. Musselman reeled in heavy-hitting transfer portal classes year after year, and the next Arkansas coach could be positioned to do the same in the ultra-competitive ecosystem.
The next Arkansas coach will likely have to build a roster from the ground up, but the cupboard is not fully barren. Star wing Tramon Mark is a two-way beast. He has another year of eligibility if he wants. Jump-out-the-gym forward Trevon Brazile is filled with oodles of talent and another year removed from a devastating season-ending knee injury could be just what the doctor ordered to help Brazile touch his sky-high ceiling.
All eyes are on what’s next for Arkansas. The Razorbacks are certainly behind the eight-ball in the carousel. Michigan scooped up the coveted Dusty May. Washington landed rockstar Danny Sprinkle. The openings in the carousel are one thing, but the extensions they generated are another. Creighton handed Greg McDermott a long-term extension. South Carolina got Lamont Paris paid. Arizona put together a long-term extension for Tommy Lloyd, and Alabama’s Nate Oats is getting his well-deserved bag.
RELATED: Arkansas coaching search hot board
But Arkansas is capable of putting together an eye-popping package that will entice some attractive high-major coaches.
Let’s dive into the pros and cons of Arkansas’ top targets.
