This content has been translated by bestmembers
FAYETVILLE – A five-second video posted to an Instagram story was all Davonte Davis needed to see to raise his expectations for the Razorbacks next season.
On a cell phone from his home in Jacksonville, a third-year security guard from Arkansas caught a glimpse of Ricky Council’s athleticism. At the end of May, the transfer from Wichita State had just arrived on campus and settled in, and then, along with other newcomers, went to the Razorbacks training facility.
“I saw a video of Ricky dunking and his head was over the ring,” Davis said with a laugh on June 17. “I was like, ‘Wait, the target is down?’ This is madness. When I saw that, I thought, “Oh yeah, we’re going to have a really good team soon.”
Council, a buoyant 6-6 wing with a lot of defensive potential, is seen as key to Arkansas’ success in 2022-23 as it looks to build on back-to-back Elite Eight performances. He stunned Davis last month with his ability to play on the open floor and has done the same in summer and Razorbacks practices ever since.
Arkansas coach Eric Musselman added that the Council had at least one “wow” moment each day the Razorbacks were on the court together.
More from WholeHogSports: Latest Razorback basketball coverage
“At least one,” Musselman said. “It could be a dunk, it could be a traffic jam finish. But he plays with incredible energy.”
With 11 rookies — six freshmen, five transfers — on the Arkansas roster, the roles for the upcoming season are being played out this summer. Strong performances behind closed doors and in front of the coaching staff are paramount to secure game time.
The Council, by all accounts, did its best in a short space of time. By this point, he has demonstrated all three of Musselman’s basic principles – effort, energy, enthusiasm – and seems to be enjoying his favor.
“I have never had a player in a 5-on-0 skeleton when we were working off our chance in the transition, I have never had a player – in all the years, including the NBA, the minor leagues – who controlled the flank so much in Offensive Layout 5 to 0,” Musselman said. “Perhaps some coaches just mentioned it at the staff meeting. What counts in his playing time in my opinion is that he frankly runs so hard and he does it 5-on-0.
“It’s all about who you trust based on how they behave on a daily basis in practice? I have a lot of confidence in Ricky, I can tell you right now, just by how hard he runs, plays, does what we want.”
Asked what he thought of Musselman’s early praise, the Council was somewhat evasive. Purposefulness is a priority this summer, and he hopes that purposefulness will do him good when the light is at its brightest.
Arkansas was in the 89th percentile nationally in 2021–22 with 12.6 fast break points per game, according to CBB Analytics. An athlete like Council can help the Razorbacks surpass that figure.
According to Hoop Math, Council made 51 out of 91 (56%) attempts to enter the ring last season with the Shockers. Points and rim attempts were good for No. 2 on the team.
“I know they like to play fast, so if I run the wing like that every time, they will find me,” Council said. “I’m just focused on it right now so it can be carried over into the season.”
In addition to his athletic ability, the Council impressed Davis with how quickly he got to grips with Arkansas’ plans and down to the smallest detail.
“Even at the gym, he said they didn’t do it in Wichita State the way we do it here,” Davis added. “It’s something new for him, but he’s a very fast learner. You can tell he’s mentally prepared for what’s to come.”
The council attributed this mental readiness in part to those he spoke to prior to signing with the Razorbacks. At Wichita State, he was close with Trey Wade, who played in Arkansas last season, and they talked throughout 2021-2022.
Once on the NCAA transfer portal, Wade gave advice and talked about the program. The Council said he also contacted Toney O’Deas, Arkansas’ top perimeter defender a season ago.
“I really like (the team),” Council said. “Good band. Nice group of guys off the court too. Fun to play and very competitive. That’s what I like, for sure.”
