Rick Barnes shares how Arkansas has changed in the past year

While Arkansas is a different-looking team this season, everyone knows the Razorbacks are just as dangerous as they’ve ever been. Tennessee’s Rick Barnes couldn’t agree more as, on both ends of the ball, they have a lot of components that make them difficult to play.

Barnes broke down the ‘Hogs in his press conference on Monday before the Volunteer’s matchup with them on Tuesday night. First, he pointed out what they’re doing differently defensively. From there, he emphasized the importance of not letting Arkansas drive and get into the paint.

“They’re a very aggressive team. They’ve always been a really good defensive team,” said Barnes. “They defend the three-point line as well as anybody you’ll play. The difference is I think, a year ago, they forced you inside and had a player that was looking to pick up charges. This year they’ve got shot blockers. So, when you go in there, you better know what you’re getting ready to encounter.”

“They really do play extremely hard defensively. And, offensively, they’re another team that really looks to get to the basket, attack the lane area in different ways. Not just off the dribble but off handoffs,” Barnes said. “Any way they can create an angle to get downhill, they’re gonna try and do that.”

Barnes’ analysis is spot on. On defense, Arkansas is blocking 5.1 shots per game. The Mitchell twins, Makhi and Makhel, lead the way in that category for them with a combined average of 3.2. One reason why they’re great at it is that they’re forcing teams inside. Their opponents are shooting just 31.2% from distance as they’re a Top-50 unit in defending the three.

Then, offensively, the Razorbacks themselves don’t shoot it well from deep. They’re 11th in the SEC as they make just 31.9% from three. However, they’re still averaging 75.3 points per game on the year as they’re scoring over 45 points in the paint. Several players on Arkansas’ perimeter, specifically Nick Smith Jr., are going to get up threes but, overall, scoring in the paint is their bread and butter.

With all this said, Tennessee has the defense to stifle what the Razorbacks want to do on offense. If they can make enough shots, Barnes’ team should feel good about picking up their 11th conference win in their final game in Knoxville this season.