WASHINGTON, D.C. — Arkansas begins an absolute gauntlet of games against elite competition away from Bud Walton Arena this Sunday, starting with an uber-talented, No. 9-ranked Virginia team in Washington, D.C.
These difficult early-season matchups against nationally ranked opponents are nothing new for Arkansas coach John Calipari.
Calipari has long believed that November and December aren’t simply about wins and losses. They’re about preparing for conference play and, more importantly, determining where your team stands when March and the NCAA Tournament arrive.
Life on the road can be a lonely place for talented young freshmen. Unfamiliar rims, hostile crowds, nerves, changes in daily routines, and limited fan support to help push through the inevitable struggles. In short, the game becomes incredibly fast, even for great players…