THE GOOD NEWS
Coach John Pelphrey prepared for the exodus of six seniors by signing six freshmen in November -- three guards and three forwards. Pelphrey also avoided the pitfalls that often accompany a first-year coach inheriting a veteran team that has been winning and appears in full control of the program. Unlike some of their division rivals, the Hogs will rebuild next season from a position of strength.

THE BAD NEWS
The Hogs lose four of their top five scorers, including top scorer Sonny Weems, and three of their top four rebounders from this season's squad. Arkansas often started four seniors down the stretch, leaving a big gap to fill there. Weems had the ability to carry the team on his own and will be the key departee.

KEY RETURNEES
Patrick Beverley struggled with his shooting at times during the season but finished strong and proved to be an outstanding rebounder, leading the team in that category from his guard position. Stefan Welsh looks ready to assume a point guard role full-time. Michael Washington is the only returnee in the front court with experience.

ROSTER REPORT

--Sonny Weems had an outstanding NCAA Tournament, scoring a career-high 38 points in the 86-72 victory over Indiana and following that with 19 against South Carolina. He finished his two-year stay with 921 points, averaging 13.3 ppg.

--Patrick Beverley will be the leading returning scorer next season after averaging 12.1 ppg this season. In two years, he has averaged 13.0 ppg.

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