todomarshawn.jpg

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS V. ALABAMA- BIRMINGHAM BLAZERS
7 p.m., Verizon Arena. $25.

As appealing as a weekend of lying on the couch or, for the masochistic, finding incredible bargains might sound, make room for the Hogs, Central Arkansas. And not just on Saturday. Friday, the men’s basketball team makes its annual visit to Verizon to play its toughest opponent yet, Conference USA’s University of Alabama-Birmingham. Yes, we’re still a year away from welcoming THE GREATEST RECRUITING CLASS IN THE HISTORY OF ARKANSAS SPORTS. But it’s time to hop back on the bandwagon again, Hog fans. Because fair-weather fandom is for pro sports. Because, for the first time in recent memory, this team does not feature an often dazzling point guard prone to ridiculous turnovers. Because Marshawn Powell is the best basketball Hog since Joe Johnson. Because John Pelphrey knows that, even though he’s likely to be granted a pass until next year to try to work his heralded freshmen into the mix, if he blows it too terribly this year, he’s likely gone; as a consequence, hopefully, that means he’s going to get the guys to run an actual offense. And, because football’s almost over, and you’ll need something else to channel all those unreasonable hopes and dreams into.

Advertisement