Arkansas basketball had more players available than expected against Kansas, but how healthy are the Razorbacks ahead of Friday’s charity exhibition against TCU?
The Hoop Hogs had spent the last two weeks practicing with 5-6 players, but wound up getting contributions from an injury row that included Johnell Davis, Adou Thiero and Trevon Brazile against the Jayhawks, while All-SEC big man Jonas Aidoo was the only key rotation piece who remained sidelined.
None of the three had spent much time on the practice floor in the buildup, but they each played between 17-25 minutes, shaking off some noticeable rust while preserving the legs of their teammates.
“We weren’t healthy,” said associate head coach Chin Coleman. “We had a small percentage of Adou (Thiero), a small percentage of (Brazile), a small percentage of Nelly.”
While the Razorbacks had pieces playing at less than 100 percent, Coleman came away impressed with their contributions while knocking off the rust, particularly when it came to Davis.
“We were able to put together a collage of film of (Davis) just being in the right position and making plays,” Coleman said. “Although he may have not shot the ball as well as we know he’s capable of or scored the way he’s capable of.
“That was rust. He had only practiced the two non-contact days before the game. There was a lot of rust. He hadn’t been on the floor. He hadn’t played. He’s been out.
“He said it on the bench, ‘I’m not worried about scoring. I don’t care about scoring. I’m just trying to make sure I do everything to help us on the other end. Scoring will come.'”
It will be worth monitoring how much those players progress towards full strength in a week between games, but Coleman was asked also asked about the progress being made behind the scenes with Aidoo as he continues to work towards a return to action.
“That’s up to the medical staff,” Coleman said. “He’s working extremely hard to get back on the floor playing the game he loves. He had a workout yesterday. Looked a lot better. He’s coming along. Our goal is for everybody to be healthy by our first game.
“These games are very important because they are opportunities to play against a different opponent, and we would love to have everybody full healthy.
“The main thing is for everyone to be healthy by the beginning of the regular season. That may or may not happen, but I think we’re close. He’s chomping at the bit to be available for us by the beginning of the season. I think he’s close.”
Arkansas and TCU are set for a 7 p.m. (CT) tipoff from Dickies Arena on Friday. The game will not be available for streaming or television broadcast, but will be on radio. Inside Arkansas will be on hand for Live Updates and The Pod at The Palace Postgame Show following the action.