By Otis Kirk
FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas is set to play four games in the Baha Mar Summer League and on Monday the Razorbacks held another practice with the final 20 minutes open to the media.
Following practice John Calipari met with the media to discuss his young team and they are prepared for these four games. While the team has a lot of new players it was an older one, junior Billy Richmond III who drew a lot of praise.
"It's nice to have Billy back because he practically is coaching on the floor," Calipari said. "I'll be honest, he's half coaching the team right now, and I'm fine with it. I mean, he's talking to them, telling them where they should go, shooting the ball way better. But when you talk about a player like that being, I hate to say this, the one player you have returning — he's a pretty good player to have returning."
Richmond, 6-7, 205, averaged 11.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals, last season. He tested the NBA Draft waters and seriously considered staying in. Told he would likely be a second-rounder, though, Richmond opted to come back to school at the 11th hour. Calipari talked about what he told Richmond upon returning for his junior season.
"It was more about the skills, decision-making. They want to see that you could see the court, and he's good at all this stuff," Calipari said. "The only thing I'm saying to him — live in the gym now. What you went through shows you you're right there. Now you want to put yourself in those top 10 picks, live in the gym."
With eight freshmen and two transfers on the roster Calipari said that has allowed Richmond to use his experience and leadership. Monday was the ninth practice of the 10 allowed for Arkansas, but the young players are still learning all the things they need to know.
“I’m hearing this a little bit and I’m so happy (about it), ‘I’m confused,’” Calipari said. “That means you’re learning. You don’t know anything. We’re trying to teach you and you’re going to be confused.”
While he's just a true freshman, Calipari has seen a lot of the things Richmond does being done by JJ Andrews, who is the son of former Arkansas offensive line great Shawn Andrews. Calipari detailed what he has seen from Andrews to make this early comparison.
"Why does this state love Billy?" Calipari asked. "I mean, when I mention his name, folks, they're (giving) standing ovations. I don't care if I'm in church, and I said, 'Yeah, did you see Billy?' We all saw him. And so, what if we have two or three of those. Now, all of a sudden you have a team that's coming at you, and JJ's like that."
Calipari said Jordan Smith Jr. and Abdou Toure are also showing some of those similar characteristics.
Arkansas' first game will be Friday against the Bahamas National Team at 6 p.m. On Saturday the Razorbacks will face Carleton University (Canada) at 5 p.m. The Razorbacks won't play Sunday. On Monday they take on Toros del Valle (Columbia) at 5 p.m. Arkansas will finish up play on Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. when they take on University of Calgary (Canada).
Games at the Baha Mar Summer League, including all four Arkansas Razorback contests, will be available on FloSports.
The subscription service is a monthly charge and can be cancelled after watching the Razorback games. Veteran announcer Chris Sylvester and Arkansas’ own Matt Zimmerman will be on the call.
