While keenly observant Razorback fans have noticed one too many walking boots on social media posts for Arkansas basketball, injuries are the last thing on John Calipari’s mind right now.
Calipari confirmed sophomore center Zvonimir Ivisic was in a boot for a period this summer, and that others have been banged up here and there — sources tell Inside Arkansas Jonas Aidoo and DJ Wagner are among those who’ve been limited at times — but he did not appear to have any long-term concerns.
“We’ve been beat up a little bit, but that’s everybody,” Calipari said. “There’s no excuses. Guys get hurt. Z is fine, but he was in a boot for a while. Other guys were hurt then came back. We’ve got a couple guys that are going to be out a week or two. That’s the last thing on my mind.”
So, what is on Calipari’s mind as Arkansas ramps up full practices in preparation for the rapidly-approaching 2024-25 season?
Well, being in great shape, being physical, playing fast and sharing the rock are all at the forefront in the present.
“Getting these guys to be a team,” Calipari said. “Number one, getting in great condition. No one is more conditioned than we are. The second thing is defensively I think we’re physical enough to be that kind of team.
“Offensively, it’s play fast and share the ball. Yeah, we’ll give you some actions, but this is going to be about these other two things first. Which means like normal my offense will be behind a little bit. When we start the season it’ll clunk along. Then you’ll start seeing it. That’s how I’ve normally built teams.”
Arkansas will play a pair of high-profile exhibitions at home against Kansas on Oct. 25 and in Fort Worth against TCU on Nov. 1 before the regular season opener on Nov. 6 versus Lipscomb at Bud Walton Arena.