Eric Musselman addresses recent struggles from Jordan Walsh

It’s been a rough past few games for Arkansas freshman forward Jordan Walsh, but coach Eric Musselman believes he can turn things around. The 6-foot-7 Walsh has been a regular starter for the Razorbacks this season, but saw himself relegated to the bench Saturday against Vanderbilt amidst his struggles.

Walsh has shot a combined 3-of-21 (14.3%) from the floor over the past three games, including an abysmal 0-of-6 on Saturday. Musselman has seen enough from the forward to know it’s just a rough patch, but added the team needs him to turn things around soon.

“He’s a really talented player who we believe in,” the coach said. “He’s no different than a baseball player who goes through a slump or whatever you want to call it. He’s got to shoot the ball better obviously. But we’re trying to figure out where and who we can have step in as well. But certainly, Jordan’s a guy that we believe in and we need him to play better basketball.”

Walsh’s struggled have coincided with a three-game losing streak for the Razorbacks. Makhel Mitchell entered the lineup in his place Saturday, playing 18 minutes and finishing with eight points and two blocks in a 97-84 loss.

Walsh was one of several highly touted recruits to join Arkansas this offseason, coming in as a four-star prospect out of Cedar Hill, Texas. He ranked as the No. 22 overall player according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

So far this season, Walsh is averaging 6.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals across 23.6 minutes per game. Prior to Saturday, he had started 15 straight contests.

Eric Musselman will hope Jordan Walsh can get things going next game as the Razorbacks attempt to get back on the winning track against Missouri at 8 p.m. CT on Wednesday.