Center Willy Kouassi wrapped up an official visit to Western Kentucky over the weekend and is expected to arrive in Fayetteville on Friday for a visit to check out the Hogs.
Kouassi, 6-10 1/2, 233 pounds, has a year of eligibility left and will play his senior year at a new school after requesting and receiving a release from Kennesaw State in Georgia.
He embraces his defensive role.
“It’s hard to find guys that absolutely loves to play defense,” said Darien Knox, who is Kouassi's guardian. “Willy is the type of guy that gets mad and upset if someone scores on him so he takes a real strong pride in his defense and Arkansas kind of plays that way. A lot of their baskets are created off turnovers and causing havoc and that’s Willy.”
Kouassi averaged 4.6 points, 5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks this past season while starting 25 of 27 games for Kennesaw State. Knox is aware of the Hogs’ tradition in basketball and is a big fan of former Razorback Coach Nolan Richardson and hopes to meet the Hall of Famer.
“I’m in my 40’s and Arkansas basketball has always been the real deal,” Knox said.
Kouassi, who has previously visited North Texas, will take trips to Ole Miss and Memphis after visiting the Razorbacks. Knox admires Arkansas’ fan support.
“The love the Arkansas fan base gives their players and their team, I don’t think it’s matched by no one in the SEC, even Kentucky in my opinion,” Knox said. “I think you guys are more passionate.”
The famous Hog Call intrigues Knox.
“I want to learn how to call the Hogs,” he said. “I told Willy we have to learn how to call the Hogs.”
Coach Mike Anderson has made no promises on playing time.
“He feels like he needs a shot blocker, a more defensive presences on the team and that’s where Willy comes into play,” Knox said.