Eric Musselman shares importance of starting off well at home

The start of conference play is always vital for teams as they jockey to stay atop their respective standings. That’s even more so the case as Eric Musselman pointed out Arkansas’ opportunity to start it off at home against a quality opponent.

Musselman spoke about this weekend’s opener in the SEC versus No. 25 Auburn inside Bud Walton Arena during a press conference on Wednesday. While all games are important, this one is certainly so considering the caliber of team on the opposing bench.

“Well, I think, every game, whether you’re home or road, is really important to both teams,” said Musselman. “It’s the start of conference play. It’s one game. But it’s against a team that has won a lot of games since Coach Pearl has been there. They’re going to be ready to play and we hope that our guys are ready to play. You’re playing against a team that is ranked. I think, any time you play against a team that’s ranked, you should be ready to play.”

At this time of year, Musselman also highlighted the importance of getting into a flow. With the set up of the conference schedule, he wants them to get off on the right foot so they can ease right into the next few weeks.

“We’ve got to turn around and we’ve got to start getting ready for what’s coming,” Musselman explained. “It’s a unique cycle where it’s Tuesday or Wednesday then Saturday, Tuesday or Wednesday then Saturday. So now we’re going to start getting into some rhythm.”

“Our practice structure is going to start changing beginning tomorrow,” said Musselman. “It’ll change throughout the year, the practice schedule as well, as you get deeper into February.”

Arkansas is 67-10 (0.870) at home over Musselman’s five seasons in Fayetteville. That includes a 7-1 mark this season. Within those eight games is a 1-0 record against ranked opponents on the ‘Hog’s home court after a victory over No. 7 Duke back in the ACC/SEC Challenge.

Now, with their second such opportunity coming this weekend, Musselman is hoping they make it 2-0 while also starting off 1-0 in the Southeastern Conference, especially considering what will follow on the schedule afterward for the Razorbacks.

“This is the start of league play against a ranked team on a Saturday,” said Musselman. “Should be a great crowd, should be a lot of enthusiasm.

“Their guys should be ready to play and, hopefully, like I said, our guys will be ready to play as well,” he said. “Obviously, then, as you mentioned, we’re staring at two road games back-to-back.”