FAYETTEVILLE -- On Razorbacks underclassmen turning pro, this column always roots for the athlete over the Razorbacks.
College is supposed to be about bettering yourself. If you are a college athlete bettering yourself to turn pro in your sport, then college has done that portion of its job.
So it's not a Hog Call for the Hogs but a cheer for Moses Kingsley learning that the senior-to-be basketball center isn't among the NBA invited 64 for its Combine May 11-15 in Chicago.
The NBA sent a clear message that it would be better for Kingsley to return for his senior year than declare himself a professional and likely go undrafted.
Presumably the NBA's non-invite confirms to Kingsley that the NBA is not his feasible path in 2016.
Should Kingsley improve his senior Razorbacks season like this past one over the two preceding it, his NBA path in 2017 not only would be feasible but lucrative.
In 2015-2016, Kingsley averaged 15.9 points, 9.3 rebounds plus 76 blocked shots.
Kingsley averaged but 4.0 and 3.6 points and 3.2 and 2.5 rebounds the previous two seasons backing up now NBA Chicago Bulls rookie big man Bobby Portis.
Athletically, Kingsley, 6-10, 230, who grew up playing soccer in Nigeria, actually seems ahead of Portis, the 6-10 Little Rock Hall alum. Portis has been like Kingsley's American brother since they played AAU ball together before joining the Razorbacks in 2013.
But playing basketball all his life makes Portis the far more polished player.
Kingsley can keep polishing his game and strengthening his frame with another offseason and full season at Arkansas while achieving his degree. The degree seems important to him.
At Arkansas' postseason banquet last month, the Academic Excellence Award was one of four awards that Coach Mike Anderson and his staff bestowed on Kingsley who also has been academically honored by the SEC.
Of course Kingsley still could forego his senior year to play professionally overseas, but it would seem another year at Arkansas would enhance his value for whatever professional basketball endeavor he attempts.
LESS ROOM TO SWAT
Addressing Monday's Swatters Club luncheon of Razorbacks baseball boosters, Arkansas Coach Dave Van Horn remarked, "If we don't start winning some games, the next meeting will be in my office."
Van Horn need not worry. The Swatters Club doesn't reconvene until the first Monday in February 2017.
By then, full-house optimism will flow that Van Horn's 15th Arkansas season will more resemble the previous 13 than this one.
At 7-14 in the SEC, the window is closing fast on a 14th consecutive NCAA tournament under Van Horn.
But even in this social media era of knee-jerk discontent, 13 consecutive NCAA Regionals with four ending at the College World Series should create confidence for next year regardless of this year.
Sports on 05/04/2016