John Calipari believes that with each passing game, Arkansas basketball newcomers become more comfortable. Jonas Aidoo’s good health, Johnell Davis’ shooting and DJ Wagner’s aggressiveness have all played a role in a four-game winning streak that includes last week’s victory over Michigan at the Jimmy V Classic.
With eight new faces in this year’s rotation, transfers and freshmen were always going to be the biggest keys to the season, but Arkansas’ lone holdover is also elevating his game.
For the first time this season, Trevon Brazile scored at least 10 points in back-to-back games against the Wolverines and Central Arkansas. He pulled down 13 rebounds and blocked six shots during the week, starting his third game of the season Saturday against the Bears.
Brazil’s return to the program seemed unlikely in March, but Calipari’s hiring and a conversation between player and coach kept the door open. Now Brazile can really make a difference for the Hogs.
“He’s been through a lot,” Calipari said after the win over UCA. “I hold him to a high standard. But you know, I told him he was treated with respect and that I think again, that’s part of the reason this is coming out. … There’s even more in him than what he showed us.
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Brazile is no longer listed on NBA draft boards as a potential first-round pick, but he still possesses the rare combination of size, athleticism and shooting that has had pro scouts salivating.
The difference this year for Brazile is a more identifiable role. During two injury-plagued seasons under Eric Musselman, Brazil excelled but never found consistency as an elite scorer. His shots came and went, and the struggles to score impacted his confidence and overall play.
Calipari came in and demanded Brazil abandon its reliance on 3-point shooting. The redshirt junior has attempted just seven 3-pointers in 11 games. He had 32 in the first 11 games last year.
Of course, his scores are down with this strategy. Brazile is averaging 6.6 points per game, his lowest mark since his freshman season at Missouri, but his 68.4 percent conversion rate from the field is a career high.
With less offensive responsibilities, Brazile emphasizes his defense and rebounding. He showed better versatility guarding wings and bigs, and his 10.7 rebounds per 40 minutes are the highest rate of his career.
The maturation was on display in the biggest moment of Arkansas’ triumph over Michigan. Brazile missed two free throws in the final minute, which could have pushed the Hogs’ lead to three points. On the Wolverines’ next possession, Brazile compensated with a blocked shot on 7-foot-1 Vlad Goldin.
“It means he’s getting over himself and ‘I’m here to win the game’.” I missed two. So what? I’m going to do something,” Calipari said.
The final step is consistency. The Brazilian has scored more than 10 points in three consecutive games just once in his career. He has a chance to tie that mark Saturday against North Carolina A&T.
But again, the score is only a small part of what Arkansas needs from Brazil. His importance is about to amplify in the SEC, when the Hogs face more teams capable of playing two bigs together.
This is an encouraging sign. Brazil’s strong play coincided with the end of the non-conference roster and the return of compatriot Jonas Aidoo.
“Coach (Calipari) definitely talked about it,” Aidoo said of playing more with him and Brazile.
“But we just started playing because we started getting guys healthy, so he’s definitely trying different lineups. As far as the SEC goes, we’re definitely going to be throwing a lot of different lineups.”
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Trevon Brazile elevates his impact for Arkansas basketball, John Calipari
