What Chin Coleman Said About 3 Key Arkansas Players

Arkansas associate head coach Chin Coleman met with the media this morning to provide updates on the Razorbacks men’s basketball team.

Coleman highlighted the development of Zvonimir Ivišić, also known as “Big Z.” At 7-foot-2, Ivišić possesses a unique combination of size and guard-like skills.

“Z is one of those unique players at 7-2,” Coleman said. “He’s where the game is going right now. It’s all about size and skill, or guys with size that have guard skills.”

In the charity exhibition game against Kansas, Ivišić finished third in scoring for the Razorbacks with 18 points. He shot 5-of-10 from the field, 2-of-5 from beyond the arc, and made all six of his free throws. He also added four assists and a block, showcasing versatility far beyond the traditional center role.

In their first season under head coach John Calipari, the Razorbacks are shifting away from traditional positions in favor of a positionless basketball approach. The goal is to have all players capable of contributing in multiple roles.

“When the ball moves right there’s energy on the ball and there’s ball movement, you’re going to get good shots,” Coleman said. “You can’t do that if you don’t have multiple guys on the floor that can make plays, multiple guys who can dribble, pass, and shoot, and that’s what we want to put on the floor.”

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Coleman also addressed the performance of transfer guard Johnell Davis, who had a quiet stat line in his Razorback debut after returning from a wrist injury, but made a significant impact on the defensive end.

“He’s a veteran guy, and he was an example of what we want our young guys to be and do on the defensive end,” said Coleman. “That was rust in terms of offensive, but what he was able to hang his hat on for us in that game was his defensive presence.”

Trevon Brazile, the lone returner from last season’s team, has adapted well to the new system and is playing at a high level.

“TB has embraced us, we’ve embraced him,” said Coleman. “We love where he’s at, we love what he brings to the table. He’s a perfect addition for our team in terms of having another skilled four guy that can dribble, pass, and shoot. He fits so well with us, and so we’re excited about him.”

The Razorbacks will face TCU in their final exhibition game on Nov. 1 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. The game will not be televised. Arkansas will open the regular season on Nov. 6 against Lipscomb at Bud Walton Arena, with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m. (CT).