Jordan Walsh-Kamani Johnson-Missouri — Arkansas Razorbacks Jordan Walsh (13) and forward Kamani Johnson (20) reacts after a foul call during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Mizzou Arena. (Jay Biggerstaff / USA TODAY Sports)

Finding Roles Something Every Hogs Newcomer Has to Discover

Kamani Johnson on Jordan Walsh figuring out what to do to get time on court

Author:
Andy Hodges
Publish date:
Mar 21, 2023 2:45 PM EDT

In this story:

Arkansas Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It took a few months, but Jordan Walsh finally figured out his role with Arkansas.

"It can be difficult when you come here and things don't go your way," senior forward Kamani Johnson said Monday at a press conference. "When you're a freshman, you have to get used to things."

There are times it may be harder for fans to grasp that concept than the freshmen themselves. Being a high school McDonald's All-American and one of several on the team, a lot of folks expected some high rolling.

That probably isn't going to happen often, especially with Razorbacks coach Eric Musselman.

"You learn here quick that everybody can’t score," Johnson said. "You kind of have to find your role and be a star in your role. That’s how you’re going to get on the floor and get minutes for Muss."

That includes Walsh, who had that deer-in-the-headlights looks at times early in the season, then again in SEC play. He figured it out.

"Jordan just adapted really, really well," Johnson said. "He kind of got down a little bit, but I like the way that he bounced back and kind of just bought in. Right now Jordan Walsh is just super bought-in to what Muss is saying, the staff is saying and how we do things here.

"That’s why he’s having the success he’s having."

Walsh came in with an open mind and he's figured out where he fit in along with the coaching staff point him in the right direction along the way.

"My role has fallen kind of into being that glue guy," Walsh said about playing defense. "I have the easy job, just picking up the gap that’s left and that’s kind of what I’ve done."

Considering now they've won two games in the NCAA Tournament and have a chance to get the Hogs to the Elite Eight for a program-first third straight time.

"I’ve been successful at it so far, so I’m going to keep doing whatever it takes to win," Walsh said. "That’s it. That’s what I do."

The Hogs spent Tuesday going to Las Vegas for Thursday evening's game against fourth-seeded UConn.

Wednesday will be spent with press conferences and practice shoot-around plus putting any finishing touches on the game-planning Musselman and the staff have been doing.