In a setback for the Arkansas Razorbacks, head coach John Calipari loses his top scorer, Adou Thiero. He will miss the opening round of the NCAA Tournament against Kansas this Thursday. Thiero has a knee injury. He has been sidelined since February 22. This absence leaves a big gap in the Razorbacks’ lineup.
On a positive note, Arkansas welcomes back freshman point guard Boogie Fland. He has not played since January 18 because of a right thumb injury. His long break now raises questions about his current ability.
Calipari discussed team depth on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday. He noted that he used only seven players in the SEC Tournament. “Don’t tell anybody, but I only need five. That’s all,” he joked. He meant that his best players start the game while those off their best may get less time on the court.
It is not clear how long Fland will play against the Jayhawks. Calipari even suggested that Fland might play less than 15 minutes. Still, his return can give the team a boost. When healthy earlier this season, Fland averaged 15.1 points and 5.7 assists per game. Any help from him should improve Arkansas’s chances in the tournament.
Arkansas had a tough path to the tournament. The team was on the bubble in the final stretch of the regular season. They rallied by winning four of their last five games before the SEC Tournament. The return of Fland adds another tool to the Razorbacks’ rotation.
Calipari brings deep NCAA Tournament experience. He has 24 tournament appearances, six Final Four trips, and one national championship. He is ready to guide Arkansas through the intense pressure of March Madness. “At this time of the year, you’re not worried about ego or anything else,” he said. “It is survive and advance. You’re playing in a tournament of four teams. We’re here in Providence. A four-team tournament. If you can win this, you go to another four-team tournament.”
Arkansas is set to tip off against Kansas at 6:10 p.m. CT on Thursday in Providence. All eyes will be on how Calipari manages his team’s depth in this key matchup during March Madness.
