That’s hardly expected to be the high point for the Hogs, though.
Coach Mike Neighbors should return three starters, three key bench players and he’s also bringing a recruiting class that holds both the No. 11 and No. 61 players in the country.
In other words, an NCAA Tournament looks like it’s on the agenda on 2023-24.
Guard Makayla Daniels was a senior this season, but her freshman year was the COVID season, so she has an option to return for another collegiate season if she chooses. And while All-SEC forward Erynn Barnum and guard Chrissy Carr are out of eligibility, everyone else should be back in the sport next year, too.
Taliah Scott, that No. 11-ranked player, is set to join McDonald’s All-Americans Maryam Dauda and Jersey Wolfenbarger to provide the Hogs with three such players.
Defensive specialist Rylee Langerman and power forward Saylor Poffenbarger are set to be back alongside All-SEC guard Samara Spencer and possibly Daniels, as well.
Joining Scott in the recruiting class are forward Jenna Lawrence, No. 61 in the class, and three-star Maryam Archer, a 3-point specialist who should find a role doing the same.
Neighbors will be entering his seventh season at the helm. He’s taken Arkansas to two NCAA Tournaments, though the Hogs haven’t escaped the first round yet. Next year’s team looks like, especially if Daniels returns, it could have the best chance yet.
