Portal Watch: Five Players Razorbacks Fans Should Keep an Eye on

There's a lot of talent Musselman can grab to improve Arkansas next season, so let's narrow the scope

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Even if the Razorbacks were having a stellar year, Arkansas fans know head coach Eric Musselman would still find reason to keep a side eye on potential transfer portal prospects so he's ready to be the first person to reach out the second a player enters.

While it's never an exact science, Arkansas typically finds players who have developed in smaller conferences who are looking for an opportunity to prove they have grown enough to hang in the SEC. In addition to that criteria, prime prospects who will be included on this list have to be a Top 5 scorer in their conference and must also have a Top 5 presence in another statistical category. Extra weight is given for next year if that second category falls under defense.

So, who is out there that Arkansas fans should check out if given an opportunity? This will be the first of multiple installments over the next few weeks answering exactly that question.

Daron Holmes II, Dayton
6-10, 235, Junior

First off, Musselman has a good history with players who have a number behind their last name. Holmes is the leading scorer in the Atlantic 10 at 19.4 points per game. He's third in the conference with 7.7 rebounds and fourth in blocks per game at 2.2. This is the aggressive size Arkansas needs, so if he hits the portal, he will be a priority. 

There's almost zero chance Holmes doesn't test the NBA waters. However, if he doesn't get the grade he wants in the combine workouts, Musselman will have a full court press going.

Simeon Cottle, Kennesaw St.
6-2, 165, Sophomore

Cottle is a solid all around player. In addition to being the third highest scorer in the ASUN, he averages three rebounds and over three assists per game. He's also tied for second in the conference at 1.7 steals per game.

Perhaps his biggest asset is how quickly he makes a decision, which gives him an extra half step of spacing immediately after.

PJ Haggerty, Tulsa
6-3, 195, Freshman

While Daron Holmes II will probably be at the top of Musselman's list, Haggerty isn't likely to be far behind. Everyone missed out on this star freshman. He's loading the stat boxes over in Tulsa. He's second in scoring in the American at 19.2 points per game, which has turned out to be a deeper and more talented league than people expected heading into the season. As far as style of play, Haggerty has a little Anthony Black to his game.

He's also third in steals at 2.1. However, his 4.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 48% field goal percentage make him a high value target. He's everything the Razorbacks are missing from their guards this season and still has a lot of room to grow into his body. This is one to definitely watch.

Saint Thomas, Northern Colorado
6-7, 200, Junior

There's enough in the versatility and confidence in Thomas' game to draw comparisons to Ricky Council. He's going to do everything there is to do in a single game outside of a high-flying acrobatic dunk. He's as fundamentally sound as they come. 

He averages right at 20 points and 10 rebounds per game while tacking on 3.3 assists. That makes him the scoring leader and the No. 2 rebounder in the Big Sky. He's also not far off the pace for cracking the Top 5 in assists. 

Taje' Kelly, Charleston Southern
6-7, 253, Junior

A month ago, Kelly put up 22 points on South Carolina on 11-of-17 shooting. He's the thick lower body the Razorbacks have missed this season. 

Kelly is the fourth leading scorer in the Big South at 15.5 points per game and the league's leading rebounder with 8.5. He also shoots 52% from the field. Unfortunately, there's just not a lot of serviceable footage on Kelly.

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