When John Calipari switched allegiances from Kentucky to Arkansas back in April, he probably didn’t expect a warm ‘Howdy’. But one of the most decorated coaches in college basketball history didn’t become one by caring about what others think. Now with the Razorbacks, Calipari has helped them to a promising start to the season as they continue the campaign with a 4-1 record. And yet, one journalist points out the large chinks in his armor.

Speaking on the Field of 68: After Dark podcast, Jeff Goodman talked about how the Little Rock Trojans had a good game against Arkansas despite losing to them. While Little Rock played the way college basketball should be played in 2024, per Goodman, Arkansas was far from it. “It’s sometimes like watching somebody go to the dentist,” said Goodman.

“They don’t run great stuff, it’s one-on-one, there’s no real point guard who makes people better, and the biggest thing that I’m still baffled by is Johnell Davis.”

The highly touted transfer from Florida Atlantic University has had a slow start to the season, yet to go into double digits in scoring this season. As Goodman points out, “Looks like he’s completely lost. I know he was hurt in the pre-season, but you’re talking about a guy who had two points tonight. Two points against Arkansas-Little Rock.”

Davis had hurt his wrist in the pre-season but was expected to start 2024-2025 back at full strength, but it has so far been sorely missing. For the Field of 68 co-founder, “He’s one of the best scorers in the country. We saw him at FAU the last two years and what he did and you could put the ball in that dude’s hands, and I felt like he would fit John Calipari in that system or non-system or lack of system or whatever the h— you wanna call what he runs or doesn’t run.”

Calipari undoubtedly has an impressive resume but it’s also filled with holes – in Lexington, the veteran coach led the Wildcats to 12 NCAA tournaments in 14 chances, including a championship and four Final Fours. But then in 2021, he missed the NCAAs entirely in Kentucky and got stuck in the second round for the next three years. What will he do in Arkansas now?

For Goodman, the problem comes down to this – “Johnell looks completely lost and again, I think it’s because they’ve got too many guys that are ball-dominant guards that need the ball in their hands and don’t make each other better.”

Indeed, simply having a shooter in the team can only take you so far. Unless the ball is passed and open opportunities are taken advantage of, Razorbacks cannot hope to continue their winning streak as the temperature heats up. While the roster poses a problem, John Calipari sees that as a challenge to overcome and even takes enjoyment in it!

John Calipari is eager to solve the Razorbacks’ puzzle

His move from the Wildcats was shocking at first, but perhaps also relieving. John Calipari did not seem comfortable in Kentucky (remember that spat with football coach Mark Stoops?) and did not find the hoop facilities to his satisfaction either. He even mentioned how it is his choice to finally move on from the program he built from the ground up. In a move down South, perhaps he could do better.

“I think that we all want to win games and championships, but we also want to enjoy what we are doing while we pursue those goals,” Calipari said before Arkansas season tipoff against Lipscomb.

“I find enjoyment in challenge…And there is no lack of challenge. How about, when you take over a program and you ask to see the team before you do your press conference, and guess what? There’s no team.”

There is talent, no doubt, but as Jeff Goodman pointed out, a collection of skilled players that don’t quite know how to work with each other yet. But maybe with John Calipari now manning the helm, things might change. They’re certainly winning games for now, but will this strategy take them into a deep NCAA tournament run and perhaps the Finals? Only time will tell.