Fire Pelphrey?

Anywhere you look in the state of Arkansas, whether it be message boards (like my favorite, Hogville.net), on TV, or on sports radio, you hear people's opinions regarding the Razorback basketball team. Many people say the U of A should fire John Pelphrey because his record is not what they would like it to be, or because he suspended players and would not talk in depth about why. My co-hosts Brad and Shawn don't entirely agree with me. They are entitled to their opinions.

But here's mine:

I don't think Pel should be fired after this year, barring some unforseen circumstance. Another 2-14 conference record would warrant dismissal in my opinion, but after a 1-1 start, that isn't looking likely. I say we win 4-6 games at least, which I understand is not a Hog fan's idea of success.

Improvements have been made, the biggest of which being the re-additon of point guard Courtney Fortson. His 17 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds per game have made a huge difference for the team since his return. The Hogs played then #2 Texas close and nearly won their SEC opener on the road at Mississippi State despite an early 19-point defecit and a triple-double by Bulldog center Jarvis Varnado.

Freshman Marshawn Powell is more proof of Pelphrey's recruiting acumen, as he has stepped in and averaged nearly 16 points and 7 rebounds himself.

Add to all this arguably the best shooter in the country, Rotnei Clarke (18 ppg, 48% 3-pt FG), and it is clear that soon the players needed to compete in Pel's system will be in place.

All that is needed is a little consistency.

People want to blame Clarke's lack of shots on Pel, or the UAB loss on a last second dunk, but college coaches should not have to teach division-1 athletes how to set proper screens or how to protect the basket on an inbounds play. These things should be second nature by now.

I understand substitution patterns and play calling are under the coach's control, and unless Pel wants to see Fortson or Clarke drop dead he may need to get them some breaks, but Pel is still trying to feel out this team, and he should be granted a little leeway.

Let's let him coach out this season and try to get the great crop of 2011 talent to the Hill and then judge Pel on his success or failure.