On Monday, it was announced that Arkansas had dismissed F Dustin Thomas from the team due to a violation of team rules.

That’s obviously bad timing, as the Razorbacks can’t afford an early loss in this week’s SEC Tournament in St. Louis. Thomas wasn’t a huge part of the Razorbacks’ success, but he did start 17 of the 26 games he appeared in.

On Tuesday, coach Mike Anderson commented on Thomas’s dismissal, saying he’s still confident in his team (via WholeHogSports.com):

“Team rules are very important here,” he said. “It’s the next guy up. It won’t take away from what we’re trying to accomplish with this basketball team.”

Anderson added that guys like Adrio Bailey, Gabe Osabuohien, Darious Hall, C.J. Jones and Arlando Cook would have to step up in Thomas’s absence.

The Hogs take on the winner of Wednesday’s South Carolina-Ole Miss game on Thursday night, needing a win to solidify their NCAA Tournament resume.