Jason Geiken, Arkansas Tech University’s vice president for advancement and executive vice president of the ATU Foundation, is leaving to take a similar job at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
On a brisk fall evening in Dallas, the No. 16 Arkansas basketball team (1-1) was defeated by the No. 8 Baylor Bears (1-1), 72-67, in front of a strong Hog crowd in American Airlines Center.
In the first half, Arkansas was unable to account for a stiff Baylor zone that held the Hoop Hogs to 2-of-12 shooting from three and forced eight Razorback turnovers. The Bears shot 50.0% from the field and only turned the ball over four times in the first 20 minutes.
Arkansas was much more competitive in the second half, but never took the lead and couldn’t overcome poor shooting and the lack of offensive rebounds.
Forward Adou Thiero led the Razorbacks with 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting, and he racked up six rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal. Freshman guard Boogie Fland added 17 points on 13 shot attempts.
Throughout and following the loss, Arkansas fans and media made their opinions known about the basketball team on social media:
Today at 9:58 a.m.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Jason Geiken, Arkansas Tech University’s vice president for advancement and executive vice president of the ATU Foundation, is leaving to take a similar job at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
Associated Press
Troy Trojans (2-0) at Arkansas Razorbacks (1-1)
Fayetteville, Arkansas; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: No. 18 Arkansas hosts Troy after Adou Thiero scored 24 points in Arkansas’ 72-67 loss to the Baylor Bears.
Arkansas went 11-6 at home last season while going 16-17 overall. The Razorbacks averaged 11.7 assists per game on 26.0 made field goals last season.
Troy finished 13-6 in Sun Belt action and 5-9 on the road last season. The Trojans shot 44.0% from the field and 35.1% from 3-point range last season.
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Five-star prospect Meleek Thomas committed Monday to Arkansas, giving coach John Calipari and the Razorbacks their second top-10 recruit in the 2025 class.
Arkansas is now the only program in the country with multiple top-10 commits already in the fold, with Thomas, No. 9 in the ESPN 100 and the No. 2 shooting guard, joining Darius Acuff (No. 8/No.1 point guard).
Thomas chose the Razorbacks over hometown Pittsburgh, while UConn also had previously recruited Thomas and was on his final list.
“Everyone I spoke with was so positive on Coach Cal,” Thomas told ESPN. “He has touched so many lives with his guys becoming NBA players and so many others. He and the staff stayed in contact with both me and my family the whole time. I am big on family, and Coach Cal is a warm-hearted person who built a great relationship with both me and my family.”
Arkansas made a strong push down the stretch of Thomas’ recruitment to become the clear leader, with the Razorbacks’ new system a key aspect in his decision.
“Their play style was a separating factor,” Thomas said. “Coach Cal holds himself accountable and his players accountable. I am the type that wants to know the truth so I can learn and grow. They will have a lot of guys who can score, and I am comfortable coming in and playing defense right away.
“The crowds and energy for the program is exciting, and I want to be part of it.”
Thomas is a 6-foot-4 guard from Pittsburgh who is currently playing in the Overtime Elite program. He was one of the top scorers on the Nike EYBL circuit last spring, ranking ninth with 20.3 points per game. He also averaged 6.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists, shooting just under 34% from 3-point range. In six games with the New Heights Lightning at the Nike Peach Jam in July, he averaged 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting better than 37% from 3.
Thomas has a scorer’s mentality but also is capable of coming up with timely assists. He has a thin frame with decent quickness and speed, and is especially effective in transition, either leading the break or finishing the play. He is aggressive but confident with the ball in his hands, not rushing to get to his spot on the floor. Thomas can play both guard positions and has made strides operating in ball-screen situations.
Arkansas now has two of the elite guards in the 2025 class, with Thomas joining forces with Acuff in Fayetteville. Acuff, the top-ranked point guard in the country, committed to the Razorbacks in July. The two of them are enough to put Arkansas near the top of the 2025 recruiting class rankings — but the Razorbacks also are making a strong push for No. 5-ranked prospect Caleb Wilson.
Yankees’ Gerrit Cole opts out of contract, per source: How New York could prevent him from testing free agency
Try This Quiz on Books That Were Made Into Great Space Movies
Lose Weight Without the Gym? Try These Easy Lifestyle Hacks
The NFL is heading to Germany – and the country has fallen for American football
Ref needs glasses? Not anymore. Lasik company offers free procedures for referees
Amazon’s Echo Spot alarm clock is on sale with a free color smart bulb
All-Free-Agent Team: Closers and corner outfielders aplenty, harder to fill up the middle
Herbert Smith Freehills to merge with US-based law firm Kramer Levin