TEAM NEWS: Massive Roster Overhaul as UALR Men’s Basketball Team Rally Around Newcomers With Robinson Out Indefinitely.
Arkansas-Little Rock men’s basketball Coach Darrell Walker anticipated that it would take a while for the new players to adjust to their roles after a significant roster change during the offseason.
Following the recent announcement that Khalen “KK” Robinson, a first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference guard, will be sidelined indefinitely due to a knee injury, the task of establishing unity has become increasingly challenging.
During the 2023-24 season, Robinson maintained an average of 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. The player from Little Rock in his fifth year was also a key source of leadership.
Walker mentioned that they are somewhat tired and are currently working on determining their rotations. “(Robinson) is currently without a return date and we can only remain optimistic.” Right now, this is a major setback for our team.”
Without Robinson, Jefferson is the sole returning starter for the Trojans from last season. It is anticipated that he will assist in filling the gap at the point guard position. Another player, Isaiah Lewis, who transferred from junior college, is also trying to get playing time at that position.
LSU transferred Mwani Wilkinson and Creighton transferred Johnathan Lawson were added to reinforce the backcourt. Texas State transfer Tuongthach Gatkek will replace graduated All-OVC second-team center Makhel Mitchell in the frontcourt. UALR’s 2023-24 OVC Freshman of the Year Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, also departed by transferring to Colorado State.
Walker said that this team already has excellent chemistry. Lawson possesses a strong understanding of basketball while Wilkinson demonstrates exceptional NBA-level athleticism. (Gatkek) dominates defensively in basketball, covering a large area that is intimidating. He will be an entertaining player to observe. “They are five-year and four-year individuals, so they are more seasoned individuals out there and you can observe it.”
The Trojans will face challenges in their nonconference schedule. After playing their home opener against Arkansas Baptist on Monday, UALR will have six consecutive away games. The last two games on the away schedule consist of visits to No. 16 Arkansas on Nov. 22 and Illinois, located just outside of the top 25, on Nov. 25.
“We have six consecutive away games.” “It’s a tough truth to accept, but it’s the current situation we’re facing and we must focus on winning basketball games,” stated Walker. The focus will need to be on defense in basketball. I believe we will score in basketball, but I am more focused on our defensive stability. All summer long, I have been completely focused on defense.
Creed Williamson, Ante Beljan, Nikola Milosevic, and Kristiyan Popov are teaming up with Jefferson again for the Trojans. Jefferson and Williamson are the sole players who were regularly in the lineup last season.
Beljan was anticipated to make a contribution in the 2023-24 season, but he was sidelined by a season-ending injury in the first game. He is in good health and is anticipated to have a key role in the rotation.
In the preseason coaches poll, the Trojans were picked as the favorites to win the OVC. The team received a preseason vote from the Associated Press poll for the first time in program history.
Jefferson expressed strong confidence in this team. “There is no stress.” We simply need to be prepared to defend ourselves, as the attack will surely arrive. Ante, Creed, the individuals who were present last year, it is our responsibility to guide the newcomers in maintaining a sense of calm, composure, and confidence in order to reach the NCAA Tournament.