With the College Basketball 2009-2010 Season just around the corner, we are providing season previews & predictions for all NCAA basketball teams to give you the betting edge this year. Follow the best College Basketball Handicappers as they analyze their teams in this 2009-2010 basketball season preview. Be sure to bookmark SportsbookBuzz.com your source for Sportsbook Reviews. Use our comprehensive and insider info to bet successfully on the College Basketball in our recommend online sportsbooks.View the rest of our 2009 NCAA Basketball Season Previews here.
2009-2010 Arkansas Preview Picks, & Odds.
Arkansas 2008-2009 Record: 14-16, 2-14
Arkansas 2008-2009 Post Season: None
Arkansas Coach: John Pelphrey (37-29 at Arkansas, 117-96 overall)
Arkansas Projected Starters:
- Courtney Fortson, Sophomore, Guard, 14.8 points per game
- Rotnei Clarke, Sophomore, Guard, 12.2 points per game
- Stefan Welsh, Senior, Guard, 11.5 points per game
- Michael Sanchez, Sophomore, Forward, 5.9 points per game
- Michael Washington, Senior, Center, 15.5 points per game
Arkansas Player to Watch: Michael Washington
Arkansas Key Losses: G Jason Henry
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2009-2010 Arkansas Season Preview
The long-range effects of finishing a 16-game conference season 12 games below .500 are not yet clear.
No doubt, for Arkansas, it made for a miserable 2008-09. The offseason wasn’t much fun either … the taste of failure so long lasting.
Even the goodwill generated by the Razorbacks upsetting Top 10 teams Oklahoma and Texas back-to-back evaporated when reality became so bleak. In the highly provincial SEC, an embarrassing last place finish trumped all.
All coach John Pelphrey hopes is that the valleys turn into peaks. He’s just not sure – even with five starters back – if the pain from losing will translate to wins.
Forward Michael Washington decided against bolting for the NBA and three other players who averaged in double-digits are back, too.
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Arkansas Backcourt
Courtney Fortson may be just a sophomore, but thanks to 33 minutes per game, mostly with the ball in his hands, he doesn’t seem young anymore. The quicksilver playmaker who averaged 14.8 points and 5.9 assists also dealt with 4.4 turnovers. That figure should improve as he matures and he is not the only one asked to do so quickly.
Classmate Rotnei Clarke impressed by making 39 percent of his 3-pointers, but he was asked to average 31 minutes, too. The only true veteran in the backcourt is do everything senior Stefan Welsh.
Last year, the guards rarely left the floor thanks to depth issues. Those may be eased this season, even with former starting wing Jason Henry’s dismissal because of disciplinary reasons. Signees Jemal Farmer, a junior college 3-point shooter, and freshman Julysses Nobles can fit right in. Regardless, the goals don’t change.
Arkansas Frontcourt
There is no way to overemphasize the boost Arkansas received when Washington decided against turning pro. Not only are the 15.5 points he averaged happily back, but so are the other skills of the 6-9, 239-pounder. Washington kept Pelphrey in the loop during the entire process.
Alongside forward Michael Sanchez, Washington broke out last season. He may not have the opportunity to lead the Hogs to a title, but at least it appears as though he will have some help this year.
Freshman Marshawn Powell can accumulate statistics in several areas. JC big man Delvon Johnson is a beast on the boards, and freshmen Anthony Borden and Glenn Bryant can alter shots.
2009-2010 Arkansas Predictions
It does not appear Arkansas can fall lower than last season.
Yet even with five starters returning, the improvement may not be overwhelming in a tough league. Pelphrey just wants to continue to build, and the talent is there, particularly in the backcourt. Expect the Hogs to be a year away from competing for a title. But with the productive Washington and the electric Fortson, don’t be shocked if they surprise a few teams. Arkansas Finish in the SEC: 5th in West Division
Arkansas Projected Post-season Tournament: NIT
Arkansas Betting Odds
Arkansas Odds to Win 2010 Mens NCAA Basketball Tournament: +20000
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Arkansas Basketball Handicapping Picks
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