Former Razorback Shares Take on How to Fix Basketball Rotation

Whitt weighs in with his views on fixing Hogs' rotation, which resembles lineups now

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — With the struggles inside Arkansas’ basketball program, one former player has begun to express his opinion on the matter.

Jimmy Whitt, who played two seasons with the Razorbacks under two separate coaches with one under Eric Musselman, took to X to share how he would rotate playing time for his former team.

Hypothetical starters for Whitt include Makhi Mitchell, Davonte Davis, Trevon Brazile, Tramon Mark And El Ellis. Top players off the bench are Jalen Graham, Keyon Menifield and Khalif Battle.

This is purely my own opinion on Arkansas basketball. No inside scoop, no coaches meetings. Just my observation from the few games I watched. Also if I messed up names I apologize. Goal is to get 90+ ppg. pic.twitter.com/ERvf2f2KMK

— Jimmy Whitt (@JimmyWhitt33) February 18, 2024

Most of Musselman’s teams have a few players that max out in minutes at 35+. Davis has a history of playing solid defense along with Mark. Giving Battle freedom to operate on the offensive end gives him more confidence each night. Having Graham on the floor with pace picking give opportunities for Arkansas to generate quick outs and exciting lob plays.

“Start the game with the most experience,” Whitt said. “Exploit the athletes in the first group. Stay out of half court. Increase pace and transition points. Four to the offensive glass.”

Previous teams coached by Musselman have successfully implemented fast breaks and tempo due to his pace and space philosophy. Driving the lane causing defense to collapse around the perimeter which in theory opens up a shooter was the concept Musselman used while at Nevada and his first three teams.

Since Musselman was hired in Fayetteville, his teams were predicated on defense. The Razorbacks have scored more than 80 points per game once in five years. His past two teams have struggled mightily from three making just above 31% of its attempts. 

“Half-court play through Ellis,” Whitt said. “Let him play more like he did at Louisville, look to score first, play make second. Mark good enough to score on his own.”

Similar to Mason Jones, Ellis was the guy on a bad Louisville team last season. The former Cardinal scored nearly 19 per game and 41% from the field as the team’s only offensive option.

As the subs go, Whitt recommended Battle play like JR Smith who looks to score and shoot. He mentioned Menifield keeping guys happy, elevate his play making potential as an exciting point guard and allowed aggressive when possible.

Toward the end of games, Whitt mentioned the closing rotation be limited to six guys. Battle, Devo, Mark and Ellis are the four guard’s while Mitchell and Brazile play down low.

Andy Hodges / allHOGS Images

“Finish the game leaning on our best scorers, Battle and Mark. Surround them with defense and guys that will play hard.”

Whitt clarified that he doesn’t have an inside source or influence from coaching meetings. While defense can be coached up, the Razorbacks have stumbled quite a bit during conference play with bad offense. If truly playing to certain athletes strengths, the former Hog believes this lineup can generate 90+ points per game.

While not every player deserves a green light on the offensive end, players who flourished in college haven’t done so at Arkansas. Menifield, Battle and Ellis were all high-level scorers at previous stops but have regressed since becoming Razorbacks. All three are scoring less, making lower percentage of shots but have also been plagued with turnovers.

Maybe Whitt is right. Play with more pace, less thinking and more freedom to play in a scheme for confidence sake. At this point, changes likely won’t matter anyway. 

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