John Pelphrey spoke words both Razorbacks basketball fans and the Hogs themselves wanted to hear Tuesday during media day event that precedes the opening of preseason practice on Friday.

The Hogs first-year coach said there is enough talent on hand for the Razorbacks to win a lot of basketball games this year and to make it to the postseason.

That’s good news because Razorbacks basketball fans are starved for a team they can get behind, one that not only reaches its potential but maximizes it.

Likewise, the Razorbacks themselves yearn for success both in the regular season and the post season, and say what you will about Stan Heath, he didn’t leave the cupboard bare.

Six seniors have invested anywhere from two to five years into the UA and while those that graduate will proudly wear a school ring, there is no doubt they would treasure one that reads SEC Western Division Champion just as much if not more.

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Despite a change in coaching staffs, this season should in no way be considered a rebuilding year for the Hogs. That comes next season.

But, Pelphrey also warned there are quite a few other teams around the nation who have as much or more talent than the Hogs.

The difference in the Razorbacks being just an average basketball team and being one that the players and fans can be proud of boils down to how committed the players are to the team concept that Pelphrey preaches 24 / 7.

How much are the individual Hogs willing to sacrifice ? Can they put the team before themselves ? Will they serve each other ? Will they subjugate their own game or style for the betterment of the team ?

Those are the types of questions Pelphrey is asking going into the preseason drills, and the answers will be played out over the course of the season.

Pelphrey said developing chemistry and cohesion is an ongoing process and added that it will be challenged in the heat of battle.

“ It’s work pushing oneself beyond limits, ” Pelphrey said. “ We’ve got to be willing to make plays when fatigue sets in. When your belly is burning, can you step up and make a free throw ?”

After 10 practices in August and individual workouts since, the team has made progress, according to their new head coach.

“ Are we there yet, ” Pelphrey asked. “ No, but we are putting bricks in the wall. ”

Terry J. Wood is the sports editor of the Northwest Arkansas Times.