Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 31, 1995 TAG: 9503310056
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JACK BOGACZYK
DATELINE: SEATTLE LENGTH: Medium
It wasn't.
As Arkansas was winning its first NCAA basketball title last spring, the Razorbacks' coach was championing a personal cause, as well.
Victory after victory, practice after practice, Richardson turned preacher on the subject of black coaches and a perception on their tactical skills on the bench.
Maybe he did it to deflate some of the pressure on his team, but the Texan from tough times also did his part to debunk the theory by goading and guiding the Hogs to the NCAA title.
With virtually his whole team returning, Richardson and his Razorbacks were the preseason favorites in 1994-95. They began with a 24-point loss to Massachusetts. They tied for the Southeastern Conference's West Division title.
Then the Pig pickin' really got hot.
``Everybody was expecting us to go undefeated,'' Richardson said Wednesday, ``and I suppose everybody is expecting us to win by a large margin. That's because we have created a monster, and now we have to feed that monster, and sometimes you run out of food.''
March Madness isn't a description of the Razorbacks' late-season play, but it could be. Their 68-61 victory over Virginia in Sunday's Midwest Regional final was a breather compared to their first three NCAA games.
``The fat lady hasn't sung yet,'' Richardson said earlier in the tournament. ``She's humming like hell, but she hasn't started singing.''
Arkansas has played 11 games decided by three or fewer points this season. The Hogs have won 10, the only loss to Kentucky in overtime in the SEC tournament final.
Dating to the last regular-season date, Arkansas' March games - before the UVa survival - were decided by two, one, nine, two in overtime, one, two in overtime and five in overtime.
For coping in life, Richardson, 53, will receive the Most Courageous Award from the U.S. Basketball Writers' Association on Monday. He deserves it.
``People make a big deal about the margin of victory'' by Arkansas, Virginia coach Jeff Jones said during the weekend before playing the defending champs. ``There's a reason they win those. And at this point, the bottom line is winning and advancing.''
The other bottom line? The Razorbacks are as fearsome as ever.
Arkansas (31-6) has won 14 of its past 15 entering Saturday's Final Four nightcap at the Kingdome against North Carolina (28-5). The Razorbacks have 10 consecutive NCAA victories and are 20-4 in the tournament in the '90s.
``It's probably a better feeling going [to the Final Four] this time,'' Richardson said. ``We were happy last year, but we knew we had a lot of work to do because of where we needed to go again.
``Doing it again would be a hard task. We knew that. I would have been very disappointed in myself if we hadn't at least gotten back to the Final Four.
``It's been a struggle at times. But it's the greatest feeling to be on top, then get knocked off, and climb back and make it.''
There's no question Arkansas, UNC and Duke - rank them however you like - are the premier hoops programs of the '90s. They've tacked on postseason success to regular-season numbers. Four of Richardson's past six teams have won 30 games.
``The important thing is we made it back,'' Richardson said. ``It's hard to repeat. Look what happened from [the Final Four] last year.
``Duke lost two players [and a coach] and lost 18 games. Florida struggled and lost in the first round. Arizona lost in the first round. I feel like King Kong. We've had a heck of a year.
``This isn't the days of the UCLAs, when you played four [NCAA games] and won it. And you only had to play two tough games. Now, you play six and they're all tough.''
For Arkansas, they have been that.
``Last year, it seemed to come a lot easier,'' said Corliss Williamson, the Razorbacks' All-American with the soft hands and the strong inside force. ``This year has been a lot bumpier, but we've kept on going like a four-wheel drive, and now we're on top of the mountain, or almost on top of the mountain.''
So, what's a few cliffhangers on the way? Considering who's driving them, the Hogs shouldn't have expected a limo ride anyway. Life for Richardson never has been that easy.
by CNB