Eric Musselman evaluates the play of Ricky Council IV after entering starting five

The absence of Nick Smith Jr. was a bummer for the Arkansas Razorbacks in their opener against North Dakota State. However, it allowed Ricky Council IV to shine in his debut with the Hogs. After coming off the bench in the preseason, Council was the leading scorer in Arkansas’ 76-58 win over the Bisons. From what Eric Musselman saw, his transfer guard showed a level of energy that he appreciated on night one.

Musselman shared his thoughts on Council’s performance during the postgame press conference. He praised Council’s aggression in this role and was really pleased with the way his game played out.

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“Ricky was overly aggressive. I mean his energy when he had the ball was phenomenal,” said Musselman. “I thought he had great bounce off the dribble, he attacked the rim really well. He’s a really really good midrange shooter. And his three-point shot with his feet set? He can make three balls as well. Teams are going to have to guard him at the three-point line…That opens up the rest of his game.”

“I thought he did a great job of just being really, really aggressive while also not turning the ball over.”

Council IV finished the night with 22 points on 9-14 from the field in 36 minutes. He also put up three boards, two assists, a steal, a block, and only one turnover for Arkansas. It was an output that had it all, including a ridiculous reverse dunk that was more than highlight worthy.

Council will likely return to the bench upon Smith Jr.’s return to the lineup. With that said, if this is the kind of spark plug that he can be for this Razorback team off the pine, Musselman will be more than happy that he plucked the junior out of the transfer portal over the rest of this season.