Hog heaven

It doesn’t always have to be transfers. As a smart man is fond of saying, sometimes the best gets are the ones you already have.

Let's get to Tuesday’s news.

1. Arkansas’ formidable frontcourt

John Calipari’s still got it. Arkansas’ new coach has reeled in some big transfers this spring, and convinced some former Kentucky players to follow him to Arkansas.

But Tuesday’s move might have been his best yet.

The 6-10 forward averaged 8.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg this season while shooting 48% from the field and 35% from deep in 26 games. This was after a promising nine-game stint the year before when he went for 11.8 ppg, 6 rpg and 38% on 3s before tearing his ACL.

Brazile’s compelling skill set — he's big, can shoot it, is athletic, and blocks shots — will be an asset for Arkansas, as long as he can stay healthy. (Last season was the most games he’s played in his three seasons.) The Hogs’ length should give them positional flexibility, and the idea of playing Brazile next to Jonas Aidoo is a formidable frontcourt.

If Calipari’s typical draft magic extends to Brazile, returning to Arkansas will be a really smart move for the forward.

But Brazile’s injury history also will test Calipari’s recent statement of limiting the roster to “eight or nine guys” who would see the court. Why push your injury luck with limited depth? You can use 13 scholarships. Especially when Arkansas doesn’t have a natural point guard on the roster. Adding one more player who can be a distributor alongside Johnell Davis, DJ Wagner and Boogie Fland would make sense.

2. Grand Canyon’s unexpected gift

My mid-major heart thumped quite a few happy beats when this hit my timeline on Tuesday.

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