FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas — The Arkansas Razorbacks women’s basketball team has begun the season with an impressive 3-0 record, largely thanks to the standout performance of freshman guard Bonnie Deas. In her first week of collegiate play, Deas has averaged a remarkable 18.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, leading the team in scoring and ranking second in rebounds. Her early success has earned her the honor of SEC Freshman of the Week.
Deas, a native of Melbourne, Australia, opened her collegiate career against Louisiana Tech, where she scored 25 points, along with five rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Following that performance, she recorded her first collegiate double-double against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, contributing 12 points and 12 rebounds along with six assists. In the Razorbacks’ latest victory against Central Arkansas, Deas scored 18 points and secured another 12 rebounds, marking a strong start to her college basketball journey.
Reflecting on her early experiences, Deas stated, “My heart was racing. I was a bit nervous, but I knew the girls on the court had control of (the game) and were going to be safe.” Her ability to perform under pressure speaks to her potential as a key player for the Razorbacks.
Coaching Insights and Upcoming Challenges
The Razorbacks are under the guidance of first-year head coach Kelsi Musick, who praised the team’s preparation during the offseason. “I think part of it is the offseason. We’ve been in the weight room hard. We’ve run a lot in the preseason and done a lot of individual work that helped prepare them,” Musick said after the Central Arkansas game. She emphasized the importance of readiness regardless of a player’s experience level, stating, “It doesn’t matter how old you are. It doesn’t matter if you’re a freshman or a senior. Everybody’s got to be ready for their moment.”
The Razorbacks will face a tougher test soon, starting with a game against Southeastern Louisiana on November 16, 2023. This matchup is set for 18:30 local time and will be streamed on SECN+. Following that, they will travel to Lubbock, Texas, to take on Texas Tech on November 19, 2023, with the game airing on ESPN+ at 14:00.
In addition to the women’s basketball success, the Razorbacks also saw recognition in men’s basketball. Defensive lineman Quincy Rhodes Jr. has been named a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which honors college football’s most outstanding defensive players. Rhodes leads the Razorbacks with 14 tackles for a loss and nine sacks, ranking second in the Southeastern Conference and eighth nationwide. He is on track to become the first Arkansas defender to achieve double-digit sacks in a season since 2011.
The Razorbacks’ athletic prowess extends beyond basketball, as two women’s tennis players advanced to the playoff matches at the UTR PTT 25K Fayetteville. While they reached a commendable stage, both players were eliminated in their respective matches.
With a promising start to the season, the Arkansas Razorbacks are poised for further success, showcasing the talents of both their new and established players as they navigate the challenges ahead.
