REACTION: Calipari Cautioned Early Bumps in Road Possible

The Hogs suffered setback against Baylor Saturday night but shouldn't be considered end of the world for season outlook

Baylor Bears guard Jalen Celestine (32) drives to the basket against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Zvonimir Ivisic (44) during the first half at American Airlines Center. / Chris Jones-Imagn Images

DALLAS, Texas — Arkansas can at least get the monkey off its back now that it won't have an undefeated regular season after a 72-67 loss in Dallas to No. 8 Baylor Bears. Despite tying the game on three occasions, the Razorbacks couldn't quite get over the hump to beat a top-10 opponent.

The Razorbacks' defensive scheme has some lingering issues which have bled over from exhibition play. Multiple players have issues remaining in front of penetration and sometimes get lost in rotation on the perimeter.

Baylor was able to get to the bucket seemingly at ease most of the night outscoring Arkansas 38-28 in the paint. That was an area of concern for Arkansas as it hasn't reacted well to ball screen drives in the lane but did improve on second chance point opportunities holding the Bears to 11 such points.

Baylor Bears forward Norchad Omier (15) shoots the ball against Arkansas Razorbacks guard Boogie Fland (2) during the first half at American Airlines Center. / Chris Jones-Imagn Images

More of Same From Three

Calipari is dealing with a new philosophy to keep up with the times in college basketball which includes blending a team of transfers and true freshmen. While he is used to building a new roster the dynamics are different and it seems to be taking this group of Razorbacks to gain on-court chemistry to win big at this point.

That shouldn't be an indictment of this team since it does have talent and athleticism to outrun opponents in transition. Johnell Davis and D.J. Wagner have both shown an ability to knock down jumpers during their respective careers but haven't been able to do is hit three pointers consistently yet at Arkansas.

One promising statistic tonight was freshman Boogie Fland (3-of-5 from three) and Adou Thiero (2-of-4 from three) keeping Arkansas in the game with timely three point baskets. The rest of the team finished 0-of-11 but weren't all terrible looks either as most were good, open looks.

If Arkansas' dependable offensive options like Davis and Wagner can up their production from three it will only make the offense more lethal.

Arkansas Razorbacks coach John Calipari reacts during the first half against the Baylor Bears at American Airlines Center. / Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Calipari's Clock Doesn't Tick Most

Calipari cautioned fans not to get caught up whether the Razorbacks struggled early on or surprised early. He knew it could take some time, as it usually does with any new team, to create a culture and continue to build a solid foundation.

"So you could take some spills early and they be what you need at that point," Calipari said Oct. 1. "We may play better than we thought. But this is all about building a culture. The culture of what is expected and whatever that is, do more. What’s expected of you in this program? Well, you know what that is, but do more. Then what is unacceptable? That’s when you start building culture. Part of that culture is learning what not to do to lose. You want to lose a ballgame, do these things and you’re losing. So it’s both that and here’s what it takes to win."

In what is a microwave society with wins expected immediately, Calipari still needs his time to lead, teach and coach this team up. It may take time to get this Razorbacks squad up to standards, luckily a basketball schedule allows more than enough time to instruct a team on what not to do and instill a winning mentality.

"I’m excited that we’re starting, that we’re getting underway, that we’re piecing a team together, that we’ve begun to build the culture, but there’s always the ups and downs," Calipari said. "It normally takes my programs two or three years to really get stuff established the way you want it. You try to win as many as you can, you try to see what level each team is, but I’ve had to do it with new teams every year, wherever I’ve been. But I’m not the guy, ‘We’re going to do this.’ That isn’t who I am. This is, I’m a grinder, I get a team, we develop, conditioning, defense, team play, doing it together, being sustained, that effort and that’s what I’m looking forward to doing with this group.

HOGS FEED:

• Razorbacks still learning on fly against Baylor

• Longhorns' Talent Level in Win Over Florida Problem for Hogs

• Razorbacks have need for speed against Baylor on Saturday night

• Angry No. 8 Bears lie in wait for No. 16 Razorbacks in Dallas

• Baylor Presents First Test for Calipari's Older Roster with Hogs

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