Here’s a bold statement: the future of Arkansas Razorbacks basketball might just hinge on two names you’re about to hear a lot more about—Malique Ewin and Nick Pringle. But here’s where it gets controversial: can these transfer forwards truly anchor a team with championship aspirations? Let’s dive in.
In a recent intrasquad scrimmage in Hot Springs, Ewin and Pringle unofficially logged double-doubles in points and rebounds, turning heads and sparking conversations about their potential impact. Both players, new to the Razorbacks, are already making a case for starting spots in No. 14 Arkansas’ lineup this season. And this is the part most people miss—their performance isn’t just about stats; it’s about filling a critical void in the team’s strategy.
As Coach Calipari bluntly put it during SEC Media Days, ‘You have to have a post presence or your team’s a fraud.’ His emphasis on the need for a reliable post player to secure ‘free baskets’ highlights a glaring gap in last season’s lineup. While Jonas Aidoo stepped up late in the season, the question now is: Who will fill that role this year? Calipari’s candid admission that the team is ‘still looking for it’ underscores the urgency—and the opportunity for Ewin and Pringle to step into the spotlight.
The Razorbacks’ upcoming exhibitions against Cincinnati and Memphis will offer a glimpse into how these pieces fit together. By the season opener against Southern on November 3, the lineup could look something like this: Darius Acuff at point guard, D.J. Wagner at shooting guard, Karter Knox and Trevon Brazile at forward, and either Ewin (formerly of Florida State) or Pringle (ex-South Carolina) manning the post. But don’t be surprised if rotations shift as the team searches for the right chemistry.
Brazile, for one, is confident in what Ewin and Pringle bring to the table. He praises Pringle’s ‘elite rebounding’ and ‘physical presence,’ noting how his game has evolved since joining Arkansas. As for Ewin, Brazile is downright effusive: ‘As skilled as anybody I’ve ever played with. He sees the court in ways I’ve never even seen it.’ If their teammates’ endorsements are any indication, these two could be game-changers.
But here’s the counterpoint: While Ewin and Pringle show promise, they’re untested in the Razorbacks’ system. Can they consistently deliver under pressure? And what if injuries strike again, as they did last season? Depth will be crucial, with players like sophomore Billy Richmond and freshmen Isaiah Sealy and Meleek Thomas waiting in the wings. Sealy, a 6-7 wing, and Thomas, a 6-5 guard, have already impressed, with Thomas scoring 21 points in the scrimmage and Sealy chipping in 14 points and 5 rebounds.
Then there’s the international trio—Karim Rtail, Elmir Dzafic, and Paulo Semedo—who add intrigue but may not see significant minutes unless injuries force their hand. Semedo, ESPN’s No. 50 recruit in the 2025 class, is a wildcard with his unique length, but his role this season remains uncertain.
As D.J. Wagner aptly put it, ‘I think we’re going to have a great year with the new guys.’ But the question lingers: Will Ewin and Pringle be the missing pieces that elevate Arkansas from contender to champion? Or will they face growing pains in a high-stakes season? What do you think? Are these two the answer, or is there still a gap to fill? Let’s hear your take in the comments!
