NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Sometimes Jeff Long is just an
average fan, trying to figure out whether Arkansas will make the
NCAA tournament.
The Arkansas athletic director says he'll sleep a little better
if the Razorbacks win at least one game in the upcoming
Southeastern Conference tournament.
Long spoke at the Downtown Tip-Off Club yesterday, introducing
himself to a central Arkansas crowd that is still learning about
the new administrator. Long was brought in last September and
formally took over for Frank Broyles at the start of this year.
Arkansas is considered a bubble team with a record that is solid
but not impeccable. The Razorbacks will have a first-round bye in
the SEC tournament before facing either Vanderbilt or Auburn.
John Pelphrey is in his first season as Arkansas' coach. He was
hired before Long's arrival, but the new AD praised Pelphrey for
his willingness to hold players accountable both on and off the
court.
Expectations were high for an Arkansas team that has six
seniors. Long said in a way, having so many experienced players
made the transition harder for Pelphrey and the team.