News

Jan 19, 2024

Jeremiah Davenport provides missing ingredient for Arkansas

Three-point shooting and a lack of spacing on the offensive end were major roadblocks for Arkansas basketball last season, but the addition of Cincinnati transfer wing Jeremiah Davenport should help

Three-point shooting and a lack of spacing on the offensive end were major roadblocks for Arkansas basketball last season, but the addition of Cincinnati transfer wing Jeremiah Davenport should help rectify the issue for the Razorbacks in 2023-24.

Arkansas was one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the country last season. In terms of accuracy, the Razorbacks ranked No. 317 in the country with a three-point percentage of 31.3. By volume, the Hogs came in at No. 342 with just under five made threes per game. Just 21.2 percent of Arkansas' total points came via the three-pointer. Only Texas State, Monmouth, Tarleton State, Denver and Long Beach State were lower.

The Razorbacks still advanced to a third straight Sweet 16, but those numbers certainly need to improve in today's game. In Davenport, Arkansas adds an experienced veteran who can space the floor from the wing at 6-6 and has knocked down 205 threes at a 34.7 percent clip throughout his four-year career.

Last season alone, Davenport connected on 72 triples, which is 25 more than any Razorback. Running the wing in transition, operating in the pick-and-pop or spotting up for drive-and-kick looks, he provides a welcomed ingredient to the recipe for success at Arkansas.

"Davenport can really shoot the basketball and has got great range," said Musselman. "He can play the three. If we want to go small ball, he can play some at the four. So, he's given us a stretch the floor type player that, if you look at our numbers, we obviously need."

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After back-to-back seasons where he posted double-digit scoring averages and more than five rebounds per game, Davenport averaged 9.1 points and 4.2 boards for the Bearcats in 2022-23. While he knows his perimeter shooting looms large at his new home, Davenport believes he can help the Hogs in a variety of ways.

"I feel like I can bring a lot of shooting to the team. I can really shoot the ball," Davenport said. "I can really make plays for my teammates. I’m versatile. I can be in the post. High energy guy. Just an all-around big guard as you could say.”

The change of scenery also represents the last go around in a college basketball uniform for the fifth-year senior, who has dedicated himself to the gym since his arrival in Fayetteville and has set out to lead by example for his younger teammates.

"Just showing up every day, working hard," Davenport said. "Getting in the gym. For me personally, I’m a fifth year, so this is my last year. I’m constantly in the gym. I’m showing the young guys and talking to them and preparing them for when they get to where I’m at. The things I learned when I was a freshman and things like. Just constantly trying to make myself better by doing the right things as an older guy on the team."

Davenport has experience as both a full-time starter and as a sixth man, which gives Musselman plenty of flexibility with how he can deploy him. He knows that while the summer has been a great learning experience, roles will be won and defined in the months that lie ahead.

"Definitely still working to find each other," Davenport said. "You know, just being in the right position. Just knowing who we are. Once we come back from after break, once we start going through things for real. We’ll all know once October comes around. That’s when most teams know what’s really up with you you’re playing with, who you’re going to be, minute-wise.”

Arkansas wrapped up its summer workouts on Wednesday and will begin preseason practices in a few weeks. The Razorbacks are set to host Purdue for a charity exhibition in Fayetteville on Oct. 28 and open the regular season on Nov. 6 against Alcorn State at Bud Walton Arena.