Powell, Haydar named captains

NWA MEDIA/SAMANTHA BAKER -- Arkansas' Marshawn Powell drives into Vanderbilt's defense Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, during the first half of a game at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.

— Juniors Marshawn Powell and Kikko Haydar have been named Arkansas team captains by Coach MIke Anderson for the rest of the season.

Anderson, who didn’t name any team captains last season, told the Razorbacks before Monday’s practice about Powell and Haydar being captains.

“I think they’ve earned that right, I think from observation throughout the year, seeing how hard they work, and seeing how they carry themselves around our guys,” Anderson said. “Our younger guys gravitate to them.”

Powell, a fourth-year forward who redshirted last season because of a knee injury, is averaging 15.2 points and 5.6 rebounds.

“It means a lot to me, to be honest, that Coach put that belief in us two,” Powell said. “I feel like we’re the two leaders on this team and can take this team where we need to do.”

Haydar, a walk-on guard, has gotten increased playing time since scoring 13 points at Michigan in the season’s eighth game. He’s averaging 4.8 points and 3.0 rebounds in SEC play and has 10 assists without a turnover. He said he’s honored to be a captain.

“It comes with great responsibility,” Haydar said. “It means a lot to me.”

Sports, Pages 18 on 01/22/2013