The Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team has been riding high in recent seasons, showing up in big games and delivering impressive performances. However, as the new season kicks off, a pressing question looms: can the Razorbacks improve their long-range shooting? Arkansas has often struggled to be a top team from behind the arc, relying instead on their strong defense and inside game to keep them competitive. Yet, in an era where 3-point shooting has become central to winning strategies, the Razorbacks need to adapt if they want to make a serious run this year.
The Razorbacks’ Three-Point Problem
Over recent seasons, Arkansas has been known for its tough, scrappy style of play. Coach Eric Musselman has emphasized defense, rebounding, and athleticism—attributes that make them difficult to beat in the paint. Yet, while these strengths are essential, the team’s three-point shooting has been an Achilles’ heel. Last season, the Razorbacks ranked near the bottom of the SEC in three-point percentage, often unable to capitalize on open looks or stretch defenses to open up the court.
In 2023, Arkansas averaged just under 32% from three-point range, lagging behind many of their SEC counterparts. With teams increasingly relying on outside shooting to space the floor, the Razorbacks’ lack of consistency behind the arc has limited their offensive potential. This deficiency showed in key losses last season, where opponents packed the paint and dared Arkansas to beat them from deep, often successfully.
The Transfer Portal: The Search for Shooters
To address this glaring weakness, Coach Musselman took to the transfer portal during the offseason, hoping to find players who could bring reliable shooting to the Razorbacks’ lineup. Transfer additions like El Ellis and Tramon Mark come with reputations as capable shooters who can spread the floor. Ellis, a high-scoring guard from Louisville, averaged 38% from three in his last season and is known for his ability to create his own shot. Mark, transferring from Houston, provides additional shooting depth and has shown flashes of outside scoring ability.
These transfers may not transform Arkansas into a team of elite shooters overnight, but they bring a significant upgrade from last season’s options. The Razorbacks will hope that their new faces can mesh quickly and lift the team’s shooting average, particularly in high-stakes SEC matchups.
Key Returning Players and Their Shooting Potential
While new recruits are exciting, success often hinges on returning players stepping up and filling critical roles. Davonte “Devo” Davis, a fan-favorite and defensive stalwart, has developed into a competent shooter. Last season, Davis improved his outside shot, posting a respectable 34% from beyond the arc. However, for Arkansas to see real improvement in three-point shooting, Davis and other returning players like Jordan Walsh and Makhi Mitchell must raise their consistency from deep.
The Razorbacks’ system also means that any player on the floor has the potential to be a shooter. Musselman emphasizes versatility, and players are encouraged to shoot if they’re open. However, it’s not enough to simply take threes—Arkansas must start making them. If players like Davis can raise their averages even slightly, it could have a big impact on the Razorbacks’ ability to keep defenses honest.
How Important is Three-Point Shooting to the Razorbacks’ Success?
Some might argue that three-point shooting is overemphasized, and that Arkansas can succeed by doubling down on defense and high-percentage shots inside the arc. However, the evidence increasingly suggests that teams without reliable three-point shooting struggle to succeed in modern college basketball. Look at teams like Alabama, Auburn, and even traditional powerhouse Kentucky; their commitment to stretching the floor and shooting threes has led to postseason success. If the Razorbacks can’t improve their three-point shooting, they risk falling behind the curve and becoming too predictable.
There’s no question Arkansas has the athleticism, grit, and defensive prowess to make waves in the SEC, but adding a legitimate outside threat will make them far more dangerous. In addition, teams that can shoot well from deep force their opponents to guard them all over the court, opening up driving lanes and allowing for easier scoring opportunities around the rim. Without improved three-point shooting, opponents may feel comfortable crowding the paint and daring the Razorbacks to win from beyond the arc—a strategy that has been effective against them in the past.
The Risk of Being Overly Dependent on Transfers
While the transfer portal has brought in shooters, it remains a gamble. Players often need time to adjust to new teams, coaching styles, and pressure, especially in the high-energy environment of SEC basketball. While El Ellis and Tramon Mark may bring shooting ability, Arkansas must also develop its own talent. Relying too heavily on transfers each year can lead to inconsistency, as each season becomes dependent on how well newcomers integrate.
If Arkansas wants a long-term solution to its shooting woes, it must also invest in recruiting players with three-point range and developing them over time. Building a program known for its outside shooting would allow the Razorbacks to make consistent tournament runs, instead of facing a critical shooting gap each season.
What’s the Path Forward for Arkansas?
The Razorbacks have shown they’re committed to addressing their shooting struggles by signing transfers with proven shooting abilities, but the success of this strategy remains uncertain. To truly become a contender, Arkansas needs improved chemistry, reliable shooting from its returning core, and rapid adaptation from the new recruits. This season, if the Razorbacks can lift their three-point percentage to even a league-average level, they could become one of the most well-rounded teams in the SEC.
Coach Musselman’s plan seems to be about balance: relying on the tenacious defense Arkansas is known for, but supplementing it with a consistent threat from deep. If he can pull it off, the Razorbacks could be a formidable force, capable of deep postseason success. It’s not just about making more threes; it’s about shifting the mentality of the team to include three-point shooting as a core part of their strategy.
Final Thoughts
As Razorbacks fans eagerly await the new season, they’ll be watching closely to see if the team’s shooting can catch up to the rest of its game. While the road won’t be easy, a successful shift to three-point shooting could elevate Arkansas from a team with potential to a true contender in the SEC and beyond. This year, every three-pointer matters, and every outside shot could bring Arkansas one step closer to the title chase.
