D.J. Wagner is no stranger to big college basketball crowds. The 6-4 sophomore guard played for Kentucky last season, where the team averaged 19,928 fans per game at Rupp Arena. He scored 19 points in front of a home crowd of 20,322 during Kentucky’s 111-102 victory over Arkansas.
Now, Wagner is a Razorback. He is excited to play in front of Arkansas fans, even if it’s just a practice scrimmage. This weekend, fans will get their first look at Wagner and his teammates during intrasquad games in Hot Springs and Pine Bluff.
The Razorbacks will scrimmage at 4 p.m. Saturday at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs and at 5 p.m. Sunday at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. This will be the first public practice under new Arkansas Coach John Calipari.
“We’re all excited to get out there and play in front of people who support us,” Wagner said. “We want to show them what we’ve been working on.”
Calipari took his team on the road for scrimmages at Kentucky in the past two years. Ticket sales supported flood and tornado relief efforts in the state.
The goal of the scrimmages in Hot Springs and Pine Bluff is to show commitment to fans across Arkansas. “This program is the state’s program,” Calipari said. “By going to them, it’s like we’re going to where you are. You don’t always have to come to us.”
Wagner added that the Razorbacks aim to impress fans who might not be able to travel to Fayetteville for games. “It’s a blessing that we can bring our team to them,” he said.
Wagner is one of three former Wildcats who followed Calipari to Arkansas. The other two are junior forward Adou Thiero and sophomore forward Zvonimir Ivisic. Junior forward Trevon Brazile is the only scholarship returnee from last season.
Newcomers include senior transfers guard Johnell Davis (Florida Atlantic) and forward Jonas Aidoo (Tennessee), as well as freshmen guard Boogie Fland and forwards Karter Knox and Billy Richmond, who switched commitments from Kentucky to Arkansas after Calipari became coach.
“I feel like we’re all doing pretty good so far,” Wagner said. “We’re still learning, but everybody’s been picking up on stuff quickly and working hard.”
Wagner believes that his familiarity with Calipari’s system helps the team. “It makes it easier for us,” he said. “We’re picking back up where we left off.”
Calipari noted that the former Kentucky players help set the tone during practice. “The guys that have been with me can let the others know what I won’t accept,” he said. “They know how consistent I am. I’m coming every day noticing.”
Wagner played in 28 games last season for Kentucky, starting 27 despite a left ankle injury. He suffered the injury on Nov. 28 but finished the season averaging 9.9 points per game.
Calipari said Wagner was playing great before the injury. “I think he’s healthy. He knows how to read his body now,” he said. “But I’m expecting a lot from him.”
Wagner confirmed that his ankle has fully healed. “It’s good to be back 100% healthy,” he said.
Reflecting on his transition to Arkansas, Wagner said, “I feel like it’s been a good move for me. I like Arkansas a lot. It’s a good place with nice people.” He appreciates the familiarity of the coaching staff and old teammates. “It makes the transition a lot easier.”
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