Arkansas shows early progress in Hot Springs Tip-Off scrimmage

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Arkansas used Sunday’s Tip-Off Scrimmage at Bank OZK Arena as another early measuring stick, with John Calipari’s team showing flashes of promise with the usual October learning moments.

The Razorbacks, playing in front of a near-capacity Spa City crowd, split into red and white teams for two 20-minute sessions.

The Red side came out on top in both, 44-37 and 46-41.

It marked the second straight year Arkansas has brought its preseason showcase to Hot Springs, part of Calipari’s broader push to connect the program with fans across the state.

“Last year was a tremendous success for all involved,” Calipari said. “We’re excited to return and grateful to those in Hot Springs for making this possible. It’s a great chance for people in that region to interact with this year’s team.”

New roster builds chemistry through competition

With more than half the roster made up of newcomers, Calipari said the trip carried more than basketball value.

“It’s important for these new guys to get to know a different part of Arkansas and to understand the passion for the Razorbacks throughout the state,” he said.

The coach’s assessment afterward was candid.

“We’re not executing, which we shouldn’t be yet,” he said. “It’s only October, but the press looked awful, or maybe our press attack is really good. It’s one of the two. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Calipari said Monday’s practice would emphasize zone play, both offensively and defensively, after several defensive lapses allowed transition layups.

Strong showings from newcomers and veterans

Several players made a statement in the team’s second exhibition of the fall.

Transfer forward Nick Pringle led the day with 22 points and 10 rebounds, followed closely by freshmen Meleek Thomas (21 points) and Darius Acuff Jr. (20).

Veteran forward Malique Ewin recorded 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Trevon Brazile added 15 points and nine boards.

Karter Knox and DJ Wagner chipped in 19 and 18 points respectively, continuing to show the scoring depth Calipari has emphasized in offseason workouts.

“Playing against ourselves, the kids were competitive and they battled,” Calipari said. “Karter’s gotten better, TB’s gotten better, DJ, Billy. They’re going to score on each other because they’re pretty good players.”

Freshmen make early impression

Thomas and Acuff, both five-star recruits in the 2025 class, offered glimpses of why the group ranked fourth nationally by 247Sports.

Springdale native Isaiah Sealy also impressed with 14 points and five rebounds, showing flashes of potential Calipari called “uncoachable.”

“He’s still learning the pace of play,” Calipari said. “You can’t make two good plays then two bad ones, and that comes with experience. But I think he’s going to be a terrific player.”

Calipari’s tone echoed comments he made earlier this month about the need for patience with a team that blends veterans like Brazile and Wagner with true freshmen projected to play major minutes.

Ewin emerging as steady inside presence

Ewin, a transfer from Florida State who began his career at Ole Miss, offered one of the more complete performances.

He credited the team’s summer work for the early chemistry.

“We’ve been going at it since the summer,” Ewin said. “We’re all connected and play well together. I think it’s going good.”

Ewin said his focus entering his senior season was expanding his offensive range.

“I’ve worked on my three-point shot here and there,” he said. “Coach believes in me, and he wanted me to shoot it more this year.”

Asked what fans could expect, Ewin smiled.

“I feel like I bring a double-double machine,” he said. “I can rebound offensively and defensively, assist—so I can do it all.”

What’s next for the Razorbacks

Arkansas will host Cincinnati in another exhibition Oct. 24 at Bud Walton Arena before traveling to Memphis to face the Tigers on Oct. 27.

The regular season opens Nov. 3 against Southern University.

With a deep freshman class, multiple transfers, and returning veterans, the Razorbacks appear poised to mix development with expectation.

Calipari said the next few weeks will determine which combinations gel before opening night.

Key takeaways

• Arkansas split into Red and White teams Sunday, with the Red side winning both 20-minute scrimmages in Hot Springs.

• Freshmen Meleek Thomas and Darius Acuff Jr. led newcomers in scoring, while veteran Malique Ewin posted a double-double.

• Coach John Calipari emphasized defensive improvement and team chemistry ahead of upcoming exhibitions with Cincinnati and Memphis.