Eric Musselman shares first impressions of Arkansas' 2023-24 SEC schedule

The basketball programs across the SEC found out who their conference opponents would be on Monday. With that news coming out, Eric Musselman had plenty of thoughts on what Arkansas’ slate will look like come the start of conference play.

Musselman commented on the ‘Hog’s SEC schedule in a press conference earlier today. He thinks that it’s solid, especially in at least one way from a family standpoint, but did admit that there seems to be a lack of balance on a year to year basis from his point of view.

“I think it’s good,” Musselman said. “My wife is extremely excited to go to Georgia because that’s where she’s from and where her sister went to school. We have not gone there very much.”

“It’s different than the NBA and the G-League where it’s pretty balanced. I mean I think I’ve been to Alabama every year that I’ve been here. And I think they’ve only been here twice,” Musselman pointed out. “I know it’s not a balanced schedule. Another first for me is getting these schedules that are kind of random in the way they happen.”

From there, Musselman discussed Arkansas’ opportunity to play a home-and-home with Kentucky for the second season in a row. He said that it was a big deal considering several things like the stature of John Calipari, what it’s like to compete in Rupp Arena, and the energy on your home floor when the Wildcats come into your building.

“Both programs have incredible respect for each other,” said Musselman. “Coach Calipari is someone that I think everybody in the coaching profession has incredible respect for. He’s always got talented, talented teams, teams that have NBA Draft picks on them.”

“When you go play at Kentucky? There’s a special feel to it. Without a doubt. (And) when Kentucky plays road games? It’s a big game for every home crowd, wherever they travel,” Musselman said. “I think it’s good that we’re playing them twice.”

In ’23-’24, Arkansas will play Georgia, LSU, Missouri, and Texas A&M along with the Wildcats in a home and home. The Razorbacks will get Auburn, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt all in Bud Walton Arena only while they’ll go to Tuscaloosa to play ‘Bama, Gainesville to battle Florida, and state of Mississippi twice to face Ole Miss and Mississippi State.

All in all, it’s another schedule where Arkansas will look to post 20+ wins again under Musselman. After that, they’ll hope that’s enough to make their third straight NCAA Tournament with all three appearances ending in the Sweet 16 at least.