Arkansas Razorbacks
Overall Rank: #25
Conference Rank: #6 SEC
Arkansas doubled their SEC win total in Coach Mike Neighbors second season leading the program. They went from just 3-13 in 2017-2018 to 6-10 last year, but that was enough to get the Razorbacks to the WNIT, where they reached the third round. With four starters back, Arkansas is ready to take another big step forward. They may not be able to double their conference win total again, but if they get anywhere close in the tough SEC, this team will be making a deep tournament run.
2018-19 Record: 22-15, 6-10
2018-19 Postseason: WNIT
Coach: Mike Neighbors
Coach Record: 35-33 at Arkansas, 133-74 overall
Key Departed Players (starters in bold)
Malica Monk, Guard, 12.7 ppg
Bailey Zimmerman, Guard/Forward, 3.5 ppg
Raven Northcross-Baker, Guard, 3.1 ppg
Key Returning Players (starters in bold)
Chelsea Dungee, Junior, Guard, 20.5 ppg
Alexis Tolefree, Senior, Guard, 10.2 ppg
Jailyn Mason, Senior, Guard, 7.9 ppg
Kiara Williams, Senior, Forward/Center, 6.8 ppg
A’Tyanna Gaulden, Junior, Guard, 5.0 ppg
Taylah Thomas, Junior, Forward, 3.6 ppg
Grayce Spangler, Junior, Guard, 1.6 ppg
Macy Weaver, Junior, Forward, 1.3 ppg
Rokia Doumbia, Sophomore, Guard, 1.0 ppg
Key New Players
Amber Ramirez, Junior, Guard, Transfer from TCU
Avery Hughes, Freshman, Guard
Destinee Oberg, Freshman, Center
Erynn Barnum, RS Freshman, Forward
Ginger Reece, Freshman, Forward
Makayla Daniels, Freshman, Guard
Marquesha Davis, Freshman, Forward
Projection:
Chelsea Dungee returns after leading the squad with 20.5 points per game. The junior guard is a prolific scorer from anywhere on the floor and will again take all the big shots for the Razorbacks. Alexis Tolefree was the most prolific outside shooter on the team, connecting on 77 last season. However, the senior only hit 28.7 percent of her attempts from long range and 32.3 percent overall. The team as a whole shot just 39.8 percent from the floor and 32.1 percent from beyond the arc. Jailyn Mason is also back to the starting lineup after scoring 7.9 points per game. A’Tyanna Gaulden will likely take over some of the point guard duties left behind by Malica Monk, the only lost starter. Arkansas also welcomes in TCU transfer Amber Ramirez who averaged 10.4 points per game during the 2017-2018 campaign with the Horned Frogs. Kiara Williams will again be the lone post player around four guards. The 6-1 senior is strong on the glass and a decent interior scoring threat. Taylah Thomas will add some quality depth and the top incoming recruit is 6-3 center Destinee Oberg. With more options in the frontcourt, Arkansas hopes that they can boost their terrible rebounding margin. If that happens and this group can be a bit more efficient offensively, Arkansas could be in for a big year.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NCAA
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 73.9 (43rd in nation, 4th in conference)
Scoring Defense: 69.8 (281, 12)
Field-Goal Percentage: 39.8 (185, 11)
Field-Goal Defense: 41.4 (246, 10)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 8.0 (45, 2)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 32.1 (139, 8)
Free-Throw Percentage: 73.0 (83, 5)
Rebound Margin: -6.8 (327, 14)
Assists Per Game: 11.5 (272, 13)
Turnovers Per Game: 11.5 (8, 1)
Madness 2019 Women’s Basketball Recruit Rankings:
#73 Destinee Oberg
#160 Markesha Davis
