FAYETTEVILLE — This should not surprise anyone who watched Dusty Hannahs trash talk Ben Simmons last season in Bud Walton Arena.
Hannahs, Arkansas' senior guard and leading scorer, is going to learn some Spanish, mostly to offer some wit on the hoops tour of Spain next month.
“I'll try to brush up a little so I can trash talk in Spanish,” Hannahs said, flashing his movie star smile during a short visit earlier this week as the Arkansas basketball team prepares for their tour of Spain.
Hannahs doesn't back down to anyone. He didn't back down to Simmons, offering up some choice words while shooting free throws as Arkansas demolished LSU last year at Bud Walton Arena. Simmons was the overall top pick in the NBA draft, but Hannahs got the better of the LSU forward during the Razorbacks' 85-65 win in Fayetteville.
It's clear the Hogs are looking forward to the trip to Spain. It's not so much about the four games to be played against various club teams in and around Madrid. It will be the bonding that happens on the trip as eight new players have added length and athletic ability, especially with guards Daryl Macon and Jalen Barford.
Macon and Barford both appeared capable of playing the point as I watched parts of two practices this week. It's also clear that forward Trey Thompson is a much more confident player with increased range. He hit 3-point shots in those two workouts.
“I know that's not where I'll shoot in games,” Thompson said. “I know my spot is closer to the basket, but coaches have encouraged me to shoot. I'm more confident than I was last year. I was just trying to play a role last year. I think I'll be more active on offense this year.”
Thompson, 6-foot-10, 270 pounds, was asked if he'd do any trash talking in Spain. He seemed startled that anyone would ever think him capable of that. Maybe his confidence has not grown that far just yet.
“Not me,” Thompson said. “I'll leave that to Dusty. That's his deal. Maybe Daryl Macon will trash talk. Those are the two on this team that I think it might come from. Daryl is a talker.
“But I'm not going to say anything to anyone. I don't know any Spanish anyway.”
There is no doubt Thompson is more confident as a junior. He's still trying to find his perfect weight. He thinks 270 is on the heavy side, but there didn't appear to be any fat anywhere.
“I'm stronger and most of it is muscle,” Thompson said. “I think 265 is what I'll play at. That's my goal. I think 265 with no fat, that would be perfect.
“As far as my role, I am just here to help the team win. That's why I love Dusty. He's all about whatever it takes to get a win. That's me and him, help the team win. It might be different things for each of us to help the team win, but that's all we care about. When we win, I know that's when Dusty is happy. Me, too.”
Thompson played the center spot for one of the team's in the scrimmage Wednesday and did well. It's fun to watch him continue to develop.
There is little doubt that this team is improved. Macon, a junior college transfer, is a joy to watch. He bombed a 3-pointer when freshman RJ Glasper gave him an inch, but he spent most of the scrimmage dishing to open teammates. He's smooth and polished at the point and is a very good defensive player.
It's clear that this team has talent at the four position, something it did not last year. I would not be surprised if Dustin Thomas isn't a big contributor at the four. Some think of him as a three, but I like him more as a four. He's gained strength and is polished with the basketball.
Brachen Hazen showed a strong finish around the basket and is going to help this team. I'm thinking his more of a three position player. He's still gaining strength and needs more time in the weight room, but he's going to be a nice get for this team.
Jalen Barford is a beast. He's going to shoot a lot of foul shots because he goes to the basket with force. He was fouled several times in the scrimmage, although fouls are not called.
Hannahs looks stronger. I think his time in the weight room this summer has done him some good. He's strong with the basketball. He's always good at finding an opening for his shot, but he might be able to finish a little better after contact.
The athleticism across the board is apparent. Length and quickness is improved. It's fun to watch them go at each other and it is intense.
I was interested as Mike Anderson stopped practice at one point and went to the video board on the end of the court to show them something that was happening on a fast break that last year's team was able to do. He pointed out the mistakes they had just made with some positive feedback from the video display. I loved to see that interaction with Anderson and his players and the use of the new tools at his disposal.
Of course, this team is still blossoming. How Macon develops at the point is a key to the season. It's clear that he's the top man there, although Anton Beard is a good one, too.
As for more observations from Wednesday, it's also clear that Manny Watkins has improved his shot. There were two-man drills that were competitive. Each two-man team had to make seven shots at each of the eight baskets around the court. Watkins and Hannahs won the drill both times as far as I could tell. If Watkins can hit those shots, it changes the way the team will be played defensively and will make Moses Kingsley an entirely different offensive force. It's fun to contemplate that change.
Hannahs said the bonding of the team with the new players has developed quickly. He said they are spending all their time together away from practices this summer. He knows that's the mission of the trip to Spain.
“I know there are games and that will be fun,” Hannahs said. “But what we get out of spending all of this time practicing and then traveling together, that's the main thing that will help us.”
One thing that is clear: it's a tougher bunch of Razorbacks. The newcomers added toughness.
“They really did,” Hannahs said. “I don't think there is a soft player in our entire team. I look at all of these guys as tough. Our defense has improved.”
Thompson said it's clear that defense was the big point of emphasis after the end of last season, a disappointing 16-16 year.
“In May when we started back with Coach (Mike) Anderson, the first thing he said is that the ones who play will be the ones who play defense,” Thompson said. “You want on the floor, play defense. We got that message and it's made things intense in practice.
“We have depth and we all know that the way to get in the game is to show our defense. It's tough in practice. That's the competition coming out. It's helped us.”
Hannahs said he's losing weight to try to make sure he can play extended minutes and in a system that promises to be more up tempo because of depth.
“I think we do have the depth to play faster now,” Hannahs said. “I am stronger and gained weight. Now I feel like I need to lose a few pounds because I want to play as many minutes as possible.”
The Hogs have another week before heading out to Spain. Hannahs said he'd probably drop those pounds in that time. It's going to be needed time, too. He's got to learn some Spanish trash talk.