Razorbacks vs. Trojans: A November Showdown in Bud Walton Arena

Excitement is building for the upcoming Arkansas men’s basketball season as the Razorbacks prepare to host Troy on November 13, 2024, at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville. This game will be a significant early-season showdown, adding another chapter to the storied history of Razorback basketball. As part of the 2024-25 schedule, this matchup promises to bring a thrilling blend of competitive play and high-energy action.

This season opener will mark the seventh meeting between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Troy Trojans. Historically, Arkansas has had the upper hand, boasting a 5-1 record in the series. The last encounter between these two teams took place on November 28, 2022, when the Razorbacks secured a 74-61 victory. With this recent win under their belt, Arkansas will be looking to continue their dominance over Troy, while the Trojans will be eager to make their mark and disrupt the Razorbacks’ winning streak.

Troy, coming off a respectable 20-12 season, is gearing up for another competitive year. The Trojans’ 2023-24 campaign saw them advance to the Sun Belt Tournament, where they were narrowly defeated by Texas State in the first round. Despite this early exit, Troy’s performance throughout the season was marked by their aggressive and high-octane style of play. Under the guidance of fifth-year head coach Scott Cross, who took over the program in 2021, Troy has established a reputation for its fast-paced offensive strategy and relentless defensive pressure. Coach Cross’s approach last season helped Troy lead the Sun Belt in offensive rebounding and forced turnovers, while also ranking third in offensive efficiency.

As the Trojans prepare for this new season, they will look to key returners to drive their performance. Tayton Conerway, despite having largely come off the bench last season, emerged as a crucial player for Troy. Averaging 11.8 points per game and shooting an impressive 47% from the field, Conerway was the 29th most-used player in the nation last year, according to KenPom data. His role will be even more pivotal this season as he steps into a leading position for the Trojans.

Other notable returners include Myles Rigby and Thomas Dowd, who are expected to build on promising freshman performances. They will be complemented by Theo Seng and rising freshman Evan Griffin, forming a core group that will be instrumental in Troy’s quest for success. However, the Trojans will have to contend with some roster changes, including the loss of two players to the NCAA transfer portal. While these players were not major contributors, the team will also be addressing the significant losses of graduates Christyon Eugene and Aamer Muhammed, both of whom played crucial roles in Troy’s achievements last season.

For the Razorbacks, the 2024-25 season is shaping up to be an exciting one with a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent. Their schedule includes several intriguing matchups, starting with the game against Troy. Following this, Arkansas will face Arkansas-Little Rock at home on November 22, before heading to a neutral-site game against Illinois on November 28 in Kansas City. December will see the Razorbacks participating in the ACC/SEC Challenge against Miami on December 3, and they will then take part in the Jimmy V. Classic against Michigan on December 10 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Additionally, Arkansas will play Central Arkansas on December 14 in North Little Rock, followed by home games against North Carolina A&T on December 21, Oakland on December 30, and Pacific on a date to be announced.

UALR coach Darrell Walker recently shared with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that the games involving Arkansas, Illinois, and Maryland-Eastern Shore are part of a multi-team event. This indicates that Arkansas will also face Maryland-Eastern Shore, likely in Fayetteville, further enhancing the excitement for Razorback fans.

As the season approaches, Arkansas is set to undergo a transformative phase with new head coach John Calipari at the helm. Calipari’s first roster includes a blend of returning players, transfers, and promising freshmen. Notable returners such as Trevon Brazile and walk-on Lawson Blake, who will be missing time due to a ruptured Achilles, will be pivotal for the team. The transfer portal has brought in key players like Zvominir Ivisic from Kentucky, Jonas Aidoo from Tennessee, Johnell Davis from Florida Atlantic, Adou Thiero from Kentucky, DJ Wagner from Kentucky, Melo Sanchez from Hawaii Pacific, and walk-on Kareem Watkins from Kentucky. These additions are expected to bring fresh dynamics to the team.

The incoming freshmen also hold great potential. Karter Knox, Johnuel “Boogie” Fland, Billy Richmond, Jaden Karuletwa, Ayden Kelly, and Casmir Chavis are set to make their mark and contribute significantly to the Razorbacks’ performance this season. The integration of these new faces with the existing roster will be crucial as Arkansas aims to build a strong, cohesive team ready to compete at the highest level.

With the Razorbacks’ upcoming game against Troy and a challenging schedule ahead, the anticipation among fans and analysts is palpable. The blend of returning talent, new recruits, and strategic games will undoubtedly make the 2024-25 season a memorable one for Arkansas basketball. As the team prepares for this exciting new chapter, supporters can look forward to a season filled with competitive matchups, thrilling games, and the potential for great achievements on the court.