Arkansas Razorbacks
Overall Rank: #29
Conference Rank: #8 SEC
This could be a very important season for Arkansas. They reached the NCAA Tournament last season for the first time since 2015. Their trip was disappointing after they were upset by 13th seeded Wright State, but it was still a very good campaign for the Razorbacks. Now they lose three starters, including top 14 WNBA Draft picks Chelsea Dungee and Destiny Slocum. On the surface it appears as though Arkansas is poised to take a big step back, but Coach Mike Neighbors has brought in an impressive recruiting class that can help keep this team in the mix for an NCAA Tournament spot.
2020-21 Record: 19-9, 9-6
2020-21 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Mike Neighbors
Coach Record: 78-50 at Arkansas, 176-91 overall
Key Departed Players (starters in bold)
Chelsea Dungee, Guard, 22.3 ppg
Destiny Slocum, Guard, 15.0 ppg
Tayla Thomas, Forward, 4.2 ppg
Jailyn Mason, Guard, 3.5 ppg
Key Returning Players (starters in bold)
Amber Ramirez, Senior, Guard, 13.5 ppg
Makayla Daniels, Junior, Guard, 11.6 ppg
Erynn Barnum, Junior, Forward, 7.7 ppg
Marquesha Davis, Junior, Guard, 4.6 ppg
Avery Hughes, Junior, Guard, 1.7 ppg
Rylee Langerman, Sophomore, Guard, 1.2 ppg
Destinee Oberg, Junior, Forward, 0.8 ppg
Key New Players
Ashlyn Sage, Freshman, Guard
Elauna Eaton, RS Freshman, Guard
Emrie Ellis, Freshman, Forward
Jersey Wolfenbarger, Freshman, Guard/Forward
Maryam Dauda, Freshman, Forward
Samara Spencer, Freshman, Guard
Sasha Goforth, Sophomore, Guard, Transfer from Oregon State
Projection:
The two returning starters are both experienced guards who averaged double digits in the scoring column last season. Amber Ramirez is one of the best shooters in the country. During her two years with the Razorbacks she has hit 183 three-pointers. Even more impressive than the quantity is the fact that she hit 44.2 percent of her long-range attempts. Makayla Daniels is another great outside shooter and averaged 11.6 points and 2.2 assists last season. Marquesha Davis should see an expanded role in the backcourt, but Coach Neighbors lone incoming transfer will likely step into a starting role in the backcourt. Sasha Goforth spent one season at Oregon State where she started 18 of 20 games and averaged 11.6 points. Erynn Barnum averaged 7.7 points and 4.6 rebounds off the bench last season and will be asked to step into a larger role during her junior campaign. A couple of the incoming freshmen will add plenty of talented options in the frontcourt. Jersey Wolfenbarger, a 6-5 wing, is Arkansas’ first McDonald’s All-American signee since 2016. Her size, versatility and talent can completely change how this Razorbacks team plays. Maryam Dauda is a more traditional post player and the 6-4 freshman is another McDonald’s All-American who can make a huge impact from day one. There are obviously some holes to fill, but Coach Neighbors keeps bringing in the talent to fill those gaps. As long as the newcomers can live up to their potential quickly, Arkansas will back in the NCAA Tournament.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NCAA
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 82.3 (4th in nation, 1st in conference)
Scoring Defense: 73.8 (310, 13)
Field-Goal Percentage: 44.5 (37, 3)
Field-Goal Defense: 43.5 (295, 13)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 9.5 (8, 1)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 38.9 (4, 1)
Free-Throw Percentage: 73.6 (78, 3)
Rebound Margin: -8.7 (320, 14)
Assists Per Game: 12.1 (212, 10)
Turnovers Per Game: 10.8 (3, 1)
Madness 2021 Women’s Basketball Recruit Rankings:
#11 Jersey Wolfenbarger
#13 Maryam Dauda
