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FAYETTEVILLE — Mike Anderson has returned stability to the Arkansas Razorbacks' men's basketball program going into his seventh season as head coach. The Razorbacks haven't yet gone to a Final Four under Anderson — as they did under Eddie Sutton and Nolan Rich- ardson — but Anderson has led them to NCAA Tournament appearances in two of the last three seasons with records of 27-9 in 2014-15 and 26-10 in 2016-17. Those are the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville's two-highest victory totals since going 31-3 to win the 1994 national championship and 32-7 the next season when the Razorbacks lost the title game to UCLA. Arkansas won first-round NCAA Tournament games in 2015 over Wofford and in 2017 over Seton Hall, but in both seasons couldn't get by North Carolina in the second round. The Tar Heels beat the Razorbacks 87-78 in 2015 and 72-65 last season, when North Carolina overcame a 65-60 deficit in the final three minutes and went on to win the national championship. "It was a lesson learned — finish," Anderson said. "We've got a lot of those guys back." The Razorbacks return six seniors from last season's team, have some soph- omores who look like they're ready to contribute on a more consistent basis and a highly touted freshman class. Arkansas' top returning scorers are 6-foot-3 senior guards Daryl Macon (13.4 points per game) and Jaylen Bar- ford (12.8). Macon and Barford both entered their names into the NBA Draft but didn't sign with an agent and made the decision to return to Arkansas. "I thought the process worked for them," Anderson said. "We got the in- formation to them and they made the right decision, I think, to come back and get better. "The kind of year they had, to me it's one of those deals where you put your- self on the list. Now they've got a chance to go up on the list." As junior college transfers last sea- son, Anderson said Macon and Barford did a good job of quickly transitioning their games to the SEC. But Anderson said they can play bet- ter. A lot better. "They're a lot more comfortable go- ing into their second season with us," Anderson said. "They feel good about themselves. I think they're very confi- dent in what they do. "I think they're light years of where they were last year in terms of under- standing what it takes to be a tremen- dous player at this level and they've put the time in during the offseason to im- prove." Other seniors include 6-0 guard An- ton Beard (7.2 points per game), 6-8 forward Dustin Thomas (5.3 points, 3.8 rebounds), 6-9 forward Trey Thomp- son (2.4 points, 3.3 rebounds) and 6-8 forward Arlando Cook (2.8 points, 2.3 rebounds). "Having so many seniors I think is going to be good for the team as far as leadership," said Thompson, arguably the Razorbacks' best passer. "You have guys who have been through the wars and won games in the NCAA Tourna- ment and the SEC Tournament. "We were right there last year against North Carolina. I feel like that's going to help us down the stretch this season when we need to pull out close games or take that level of intensity up a few more notches." Thompson shot 61.8 percent from the field last season, but hit just 34 of 55 shots. "I think Trey's got to become more of a scoring threat," Anderson said. "He's got a nice touch for a big guy. He's got to be able to finish around the basket and continue to make free throws, but also be more assertive offensively." Thompson is 0 of 1 on three-pointers in his career — he took a shot beyond the arc last season — but Anderson said File Photo Arkansas men's basketball coach Nolan Richardson is congratulated by Athletic Director Frank Broyles after winning his 500th game as head coach at Arkansas. The win was over UNC-Greensboro on Dec. 10, 2001. 10 2017 Northwest Arkansas Basketball Sunday, November 5, 2017 "I remember the action going back and forth and it came down to a guy making an athletic play," Anderson said. "I thought Ky took one of the worst shots you could ever take. He just heaved it up there. But lo and behold it was our night and Mike ended it on a high note." An announced total of 6,555,688 fans have attended 409 games in Walton Are- na, according to Arkansas records for an average of 16,029. "I think it's a beautiful arena with a great environment that's been created by the Arkansas fan base," said Florida Coach Mike White, who also has been in Walton Arena as an Ole Miss player and assistant coach. "The fans have a lot to do with the success the Razorbacks have had for a long time and teams they've put on that floor." Senior guard Jaylen Barford said the Razorbacks feed off the crowd. "It's a great place to because of our fans," Barford said. "When we step on that floor, it gets crazy for the other team." Georgia coach Mark Fox said as tough as Walton Arena is for visiting teams, he enjoys bringing his Bulldogs there. "I think it's a terrific place to play a game," Fox said. "When they call the Hogs, obviously it's makes it even tougher. "The arena really has held up well over the years. Bud Walton and Arkansas did it right." Venue v Continued from Page 8 Anderson to Hogs: Just finish BOB HOLT ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE A R K A N S A S M E N ' S P R E V I E W NWA Democrat-Gazette/J.T. WAMPLER Arkansas head coach Mike Anderson speaks Oct. 2 during a news conference at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville. v Continued on next page