Curious Case of Razorbacks' Joseph Pinion This Year

Spot-start latest twist in confusing role for second-year guard in curious disappearance

Daniel Shi | Dec 22, 2023

Curious Case of Razorbacks' Joseph Pinion This Year /

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Arkansas Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The lights going out at Simmons-Bank Arena might have been the second most bizarre thing to happen prior to Arkansas' tipoff in an eventful 69-66 win over Lipscomb in North Little Rock.

Despite having only played 33 minutes played the entire season, Arkansas coach Eric Musselman opted to give sophomore guard Joseph Pinion the first start of his career. Less than three minutes later, he was back where he has been all season – on the bench. Pinion spent the rest of the game there and remained there through the entirety of the next game against Abilene Christian, even though the Razorback offense found itself stuck in neutral.

The knock on Pinion has always been his subpar defense. Musselman seemed confident in the offseason that the Morrilton native had made serious progress as a player.

"Athletically, he's made strides," Musselman said in the preseason. "I think the injury that he had in high school is completely gone."

Agonizing Month May Have Given Musselman Answers

A constant guard carousel, and now the emergence of Keyon Menifield courtesy of an NCAA waiver, further complicates Pinion's playing time. With both Jeremiah Davenport and El Ellis playing less than ideal to open up the season, Pinion must be wondering what he has to do to get playing time.

"His shooting has been incredible," Musselman said. "He's still got some things that we want him to try and focus on defensively. He got beat backdoor the other day in a situation where, we're not a deny team. But certainly, he's been a real pleasant piece for us since we've been together."

No one knows how much of that is truth or coach speak, but shooting alone can spark a team. Pinion showed that himself against Missouri with 13 points off the bench last year in a 75-68 win including 3-of-6 from three.

It was a surprise to many he opted to come back given how much exceptional shooting is a hot commodity in the transfer portal. Seven of the Top 10 players rated transfer by The Portal Report currently averag double figures, including five at Power 5 schools.

per source i will be returning 🫡
— Joseph Pinion (@josephpinion2) April 6, 2023

Defensive liability or not, Musselman is now at a crossroads. Use Pinion or potentially lose him to the portal and risk him having a massive impact elsewhere.

The Razorbacks wrap up non-conference play inside Bud Walton Arena against UMC-Willmington Dec. 30. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. and will be broadcast on both SEC Network and fuboTV .