CBS Sports commentators’ positional view on Arkansas Razorback basketball, compared to the Big East’s St. John’s, before the second round was, from my perspective, unconditionally negative. Arkansas, one of 14 SEC conference basketball teams competing for the 2025 NCAA Basketball Championship

CBS Sports commentators’ positional view on the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team, in comparison to St. John’s from the Big East, prior to their second-round matchup, appeared decidedly negative from my perspective. While the Razorbacks, one of the 14 SEC teams competing in the 2025 NCAA Basketball Championship, have had their fair share of highs and lows during the season, the portrayal by CBS commentators seemed to overshadow the team’s potential and downplay its strengths.

The SEC has long been one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball, and Arkansas, a program known for its rich history, passionate fanbase, and a roster that consistently attracts top-tier talent, certainly deserves to be regarded as a serious contender. However, CBS Sports’ analysis leading up to the game seemed focused on Arkansas’ inconsistencies and the perceived gap between them and other powerhouse programs. This assessment, in my view, ignored the broader context of Arkansas’ season and the nuances that make their game unpredictable but also potent. While St. John’s, a formidable team from the Big East, was lauded for its defensive discipline and strategic execution, the Razorbacks were painted in a more negative light—seen more as underachievers rather than a team with the ability to rise to the occasion.

A key aspect of this narrative seemed to stem from Arkansas’ rollercoaster performance throughout the season. While there were flashes of brilliance, including stunning victories against ranked teams, the Razorbacks also struggled at times with consistency, particularly on the offensive end. However, the commentary focused almost exclusively on these struggles, neglecting to highlight the team’s defensive prowess, the experience of its coaching staff, and the raw talent of players like Nick Smith Jr., who could turn a game around in an instant. This one-sided analysis felt like it ignored the potential for growth and improvement that can often emerge during the NCAA tournament, where teams like Arkansas have historically found success by stepping up when it matters most.

In contrast, St. John’s was portrayed almost as a model of stability and tactical superiority. Their ability to execute well-coordinated plays and stay disciplined defensively was heralded as their main advantage going into the second round. While St. John’s certainly deserved credit for their performance, the CBS commentators’ emphasis on their strengths gave the impression that Arkansas had no chance against a team with such a seemingly structured and reliable game plan. What was missing from this assessment was the unpredictability and explosiveness that Arkansas brings to the table, which can be a game-changer in tournament play.

It’s also important to recognize that tournament basketball often hinges on factors that go beyond sheer statistics or season-long consistency. Arkansas, with its aggressive style of play, can disrupt a team like St. John’s with its transition offense and high-pressure defense. The Razorbacks, under Coach Eric Musselman, have shown time and time again that they can rise to the occasion in high-stakes situations, and to dismiss them as underdogs in this context felt premature.

In the end, while St. John’s deserved recognition for their strong season, CBS Sports’ negative take on Arkansas seemed overly simplistic and failed to fully account for the Razorbacks’ ability to make a deep run in the tournament. With the talent and coaching in place, Arkansas had every reason to believe they could compete with any team, including St. John’s, in their quest for an NCAA title.