Council Promotes Razorback Mentality Against Wizards

Former Hog continues to show what type of player he is with huge performance against Washington

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Before Saturday's match-up with the Washington Wizards, Ricky Council IV only played toward the end of blowout losses. Even in those situations, he flourished and worked hard for every minute received.

Work ethic has made Arkansas players a different breed for NBA franchises and Council is no different. Head coach Eric Musselman knows the NBA well having coached in the league, and still maintains contacts for players' gain.

Execution, effort, and fighting every possession with a high IQ level of basketball are key skills taught by Musselman at both Nevada and Arkansas. It’s helped Council and all three 2023 draft picks, Nick Smith, Jr., Anthony Black and Jordan Walsh, be effective rookies.

“You see how [Council] plays and you’d say, ‘Well, what’s one characteristic you see?’ It’s that he plays really hard,” Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said. “But he does everything that way, walkthroughs, shoot arounds, practice. He is one of those guys that’s got that kind of motor that’s always switched on. He does everything with good focus and intensity, so it’s hard not to like that, right?”

It’s not crazy to think about the true impact Arkansas’ coaching staff has on preparing players for the professional ranks. Between mock NBA Draft interview and in-depth opponent scouting, it's different educational experience than other college programs. Musselman, like any coach, talks his guys up. But, what he said about Council at NBA Combine wasn’t far from the truth.

"Ricky is a guy who is one of the best athletes in the draft. He can really score with the basketball. He's a very good defender; a guy who can really draw free throws. His game goes to a whole 'nother level if you can get him in isolation situations or if you can get out in transition. He is an incredible finisher on the breaks."

Council made most of his opportunity for extensive playing time Saturday. The 6-foot-6 guard played a career-high 20 minutes and scored an NBA career high 19 points. His 10 rebounds gave the former Razorback his first double-double.

He exudes confidence and swagger just wanting to be better and win at all cost.

“I just feel like I’m a dog,” Council said. “A lot of people say it, but not a lot of people are about it. When I’m out there, I don’t know, I can’t really explain it. I don’t see nothing but the goal and my teammates. It doesn’t matter, LeBron [James], the best players in the world. Much respect to them, but I’m just trying to help my team win when I’m out there.”

Before Council made it to the college ranks, he was a 3-star shooting guard out of Durham, North Carolina. He started his college career at Wichita State where he spent most of his time coming off the bench as one of the best ‘sixth man’ in America.

He transferred to Arkansas following his sophomore season. Council became the focal piece and a leader for Musselman’s squad that made it to the Sweet 16. As a junior, he averaged 17 points per game, four rebounds and three assists per game.

Council has played in 12 games this season averaging over six points and two rebounds while averaging seven minutes per game for Philadelphia. If the guard continues playing at this level, the 76ers coach will have no choice to give ‘the dog’ a bone. 

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