Davenport Getting More Playing Time, but Still Has Room to Grow

Jeremiah Davenport getting more minutes, but needs to improve overall game for more

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — That whole plus-minus thing talked about last night is basically the bottom-line answer why Jeremiah Davenport isn't getting on the court for more minutes. He just needs to get better results on the defensive side and getting rebounds.

Davenport’s getting consistent run because he has had great spurts. He's played in 15 games and has 20 rebounds, just 13 on the defensive side of things. All of the shooting is nice, but coach Eric Musselman places a huge emphasis on defense and getting shots that bounce off the rim.

"He went through that segment at Florida with 13 points," Musselman said. "Didn’t get a basket in the second half and was minus-25 in the game. He went through a spurt the other night where I think he scored eight straight, but his plus-minus, for whatever reason was our most concerning plus-minus that we had."

Plus-minus is a big deal and it's probably is the main thing Musselman has been looking for all season. El Ellis started the game against Texas A&M Tuesday night because he's getting rebounds. That contributes to how many points the Razorbacks' group on the floor get versus how mant they give up while they are in the game. 

It equates to minutes. The more players get on the plus side of things the result at the end will be better.

"We talked after the Florida game about [Davenport] trying to provide defensive rebounding," Musselman said. "That’s something that we need help there. All the stuff with [Ellis], he went 3-for-11, but he played a lot of minutes, and he played a lot of minutes because he had a career high in defensive rebounds. He had six defensive rebounds."

Defense and rebounding usually go on the road better than offense, which can be extremely hit-and-miss at times. It has been with the Razorbacks this year. They are all over the place from game to game. Tramon Mark has emerged as basically the only player scoring points consistently. Every game is different.

"One of the things with minutes, roles and all this stuff, we have a phrase — what does the game call for?" Musselman said. "Against Texas A&M, the game called for defensive rebounding, so we needed everyone to defensive rebound regardless of how many shots you’re making. But [Davenport] is playing because he plays with energy and he plays with enthusiasm. He gives us a little bit of pop and jolt when he’s out there."

That doesn't mean the Razorbacks want to give up his ability to shoot. Musselman has apparently got that message to Davenport. It's been streaky all season long, but when he gets on a roll, he's someone who can put up more points than his 5.4 per game average.

"We certainly want him to continue to shoot the ball with confidence," Musselman said. "The last two games, [Davenport] has shot the ball with more confidence than he has all year. A lot of that correlates. He’s been in the gym the last few days as much as he has all year. We’re starting to see a lot more individual shooting going on, which is what you want this time of the year. You don’t want the two games a week to have you fading in your player development."

Arkansas Razorbacks' Jeremiah Davenport playing defense during Tuesday night's win over Texas A&M at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark :: Craven Whitlow / allHOGS Images

He's also hoping Davenport is not the only one. This Razorbacks team isn't shooting well (just 33% on the season), which isn't the only thing wrong. They have lacked aggressiveness on offense and Makhi Mitchell is really the only inside presence they've had.

"Certainly pleasantly surprised with all the shooting that’s gone on today as I walked out to lunch," Musselman said. "As I walked back from lunch. A lot of guys getting shooting reps in, which is important this time of the year."

They get to see at noon Saturday if any of that is paying off. The Hogs plays South Carolina at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville. The game will be televised on the SEC Network and fuboTV.

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