Eric Musselman uses unusual tactic to fire players up ahead of exhibition bout
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Eric Musselman used a unique tactic to fire his players up prior to Arkansas’ exhibition matchup against UT Tyler a week ago.
The Arkansas hoops head coach came into the locker room wearing a track uniform and asked his players to tell him something you would do to be successful in track. Answers came from around the room such as “don’t jump the gun” and “never stop running.”
Musselman used these answers and equated the same principles to what Arkansas basketball wants to do on the court this season.
It’s definitely a different way of teaching a lesson, but it gets the job done. Check out the full video below:
Tunnel vision ?@RazorbackTF https://t.co/i0LauqdV88 pic.twitter.com/eayM9RLjiI
— Eric Musselman (@EricPMusselman) November 2, 2023
Say what you want about Musselman’s unorthodox and sometimes cringey style, but it’s proven effective. The Razorbacks have been one of the SEC’s top programs across the past 4 seasons and the turnaround started when Musselman came to town from Nevada.
The Razorbacks have cracked the Elite 8 twice and the Sweet Sixteen once under Musselman’s watch. You have to go back to 1995’s runner-up season to find the last time Arkansas advanced that far in the NCAA Tournament.
And he’s built quite the team this season, too. Musselman did a lot of his work in the portal after losing some top talents to the NBA.
Houston transfer Tramon Mark has already proven he can play, doing a lot of the late work to down Purdue in last week’s exhibition matchup. Jeremiah Davenport and El Ellis have looked sharp as well alongside returners Devo Davis and Trevon Brazile.
And that doesn’t even get into Arkansas’ insane depth. Apart from Tennessee, the Hogs may have the deepest roster in the SEC.
Many think the Hogs can win the SEC this season, but downing Tennessee and Texas A&M to get to that spot is easier said than done.
Arkansas tips off its 2023-24 season on Monday, November 6 against Alcorn State.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
