FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas guard Joseph Pinion is the first domino to fall for the Razorbacks as the sophomore announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Friday.
Pinion, a former top-150 recruit from the 2022 class, appeared in 20 games this past season, averaging a mere 5.4 minutes per game. During that time, the Morrilton native averaged 2.4 points on 40% shooting and was 5 of 18 (27%) from three.
In his two seasons as a Razorback, Pinion played in 45 games and averaged 5.6 minutes per game with a 43/35/92 shooting split.
Pinion's best game of the season came in a 90-68 loss to Florida when he recorded 12 points, two rebounds, and one assist in 21 minutes off the bench. Arkansas played 15 different Hogs in that game as head coach Eric Musselman experimented with various lineups.
While at Morrilton High School, Pinion was an ESPN four-star recruit who helped the Devil Dogs to the 2021 Class 4A state title game before falling to Mills University Studies 49-46 at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs.
Pinion's decision to leave the program means that only two scholarship players from Arkansas remain on the roster: Layden Blocker (Little Rock) and Davonte Davis (Jacksonville).
Although Davis is listed as a senior on the roster, he can use his COVID year and return next season if he chooses.
Arkansas was already preparing to lose five seniors due to their lack of eligibility—Jalen Graham, Makhi Mitchell, Jeremiah Davenport, El Ellis, and Chandler Lawson—and could lose more to the transfer portal after finishing 16-17 overall and 6-12 in SEC play.
College basketball's transfer portal opens on March 18 and will be open for 45 days before closing on May 1.