- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 409,889
- Reaction score
- 43
You must be registered for see images attach
SAN FRANCISCO – All you have to do is ask Penny Hardaway how big injuries can play a part on the road to the Final Four.
Without Tyrese Hunter, Memphis was bounced in round one whereas former Tiger coach John Calipari and the Hogs are actually getting healthier by the day.
Boogie Fland returned for the start of the NCAA Tournament and while Adou Thiero didn’t take part in Wednesday’s open practice in San Francisco ahead of the Razorbacks Sweet 16 showdown with Texas Tech, Thiero and the Hogs are still holding out hope their leading scorer will be able to play after he’s missed the last nine games with a hyperextended knee.
“Going to try to get back, better. Just a little bit of soreness but hopefully we can get past that. Just being on the bench, watching the team, I had to see and give it a shot if I can play or not. I just want to help the team,; Thiero said. “We’ve been through too much and if I can give them a little bit of a boost to get through this last stretch, then I’m going to do that.”
“He said, Coach, I want to try this. Three years I’ve waited for this moment, and if I can do it, I’m going to try,” said Arkansas coach John Calipari. “I said, fine, but if you’re hurting at all, don’t.”
And talk about a full circle moment for Calipari. This isn’t the first time Calipari has led a Richmond into the NCAA Tournament.
After his father played in the Big Dance for Calipari, twice as a Memphis Tiger, Memphian Billy Richmond the third has become a pivotal part of this Arkansas team. Coming off the bench, Richmond scored 16 points in that upset of St. John’s.
Making the Sweet 16 is not a bad way to wrap up your true freshman season.
“It means a lot. It’s an honor. You know, a lot of people don’t get to do that. So I’m just grateful for the opportunity to just do this with my brothers,” Richmond said. “That’s all I could ask for.”
He’s also not letting himself get lost in the bright lights of the NCAA Tournament.
“Just don’t let it faze me. I try not to be nervous cause this is a very big stage to play. So I don’t try to over think it a lot. I feel like we’re one of the best teams here. We give it our all. We fight hard, and we just trying to win.”
Arkansas battles Texas Tech from Chase Center in San Francisco, Thursday night with a tip time of 9pm.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Continue reading...
