(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

It has almost been a week since college basketball programs got back on the hardwood to begin practice. Few of you may have noticed this, though most fans are too consumed with what their football programs are doing right now.

I am no different, but to avoid harping on SEC officials incompetence or writing about their long overdue suspensions, I have decided to report on something brewing in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Operation "40 minutes of Pel" is starting to gain steam.

Following Arkansas Razorbacks basketball has been a roller coaster of emotions for over 10 years. It has been 15 years since Nolan Richardsons' national championship team.

Young college basketball fans do not even remember when Arkansas was a top basketball program in the nation. Yet, many Arkansas fans still live in the mindset that Arkansas basketball is a top national program, and Bud Walton Arena imposes before all as a testament to what once was a great basketball program in the hills of the Ozarks.

Arkansas basketball is the program that dared to go toe to toe with UNLV, Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina, and Dukes of the world in the 90's. With tough, hard-nosed players from rougher areas of the Southeast and Mid South, Nolan Richardson forged a winner out of raw talent, blood, sweat, and tears.

The Razorbacks went to back to back national championship games in the mid-90s, winning the first and losing the second in a close battle with UCLA. It is that level that Coach John Pelphrey, the current players, and recruits strive to return to.

The History hangs from the rafters for all to see. Bud Walton has mementos in every corner and on every wall of the Palace that Nolan built. Interestingly, it was all built in Barnhill Arena.

I was there "the night the lights went out in Barnhill" and, interestingly, Pelphrey has talked about rekindling some of that old flames and playing a game or two in Barnhill. He is not sure if that is possible or what he would have to do, but he knows that place gets loud.

Now lets see where the past and the present come together.

During the 2008-09 season, a young Razorback team led many to believe Arkansas basketball was back. Early wins over Oklahoma and Texas, both top 10 ranked teams at the time, had everyone believing the program had turned the corner. In fact, Eddie Sutton the Hall of Famer and past Arkansas and Kentucky head coach of John Pelphrey were in attendance for one of the huge upsets.

The great beginning did not have a Cinderella ending.

As the Razorbacks entered SEC play, they won only two league games as depth, departures, and a slew of off court incidents ensued. The only returners last year with any playing time were Britt, Washington, and Welsh—and they were merely backups two years ago—so while the flashes excited us what was to be expected?

Failing to reach the NIT Tourney, let alone the big dance, brought out critics.

Many believe John Pelphrey is now on the hot seat. If the president of the university and the athletic director stating they are behind Coach Pelphrey is not enough for you, then take it from me, Pelphrey is going nowhere. Just wait I will back it up.

Pelphrey came into a program that lacked discipline.

The players had underachieved for years on the court and off the court. Yes, there has been a fair amount of headlines in the two years Pelphrey has been coach, but he has acted swiftly. Suspensions and dismissals from the team have been handed out with no hesitation.

Last week, Pelphrey met with media and supporters and answered questions about the state of the program. There are six newcomers—much like a year ago.

However, this season the Razorbacks return an All-SEC player in Michael Washington and a slew of veteran players. The most notable returners alongside Washington are Courtney Fortson and Rotnei Clarke. Unlike last year, the six newcomers will be relied on for depth, not to start.

The newcomer most likely to make a big impact before the season is over is Marshawn Powell. Powell was a top 100 recruit and has enough size and speed to make him tough to cover by smaller forwards and guards, yet enough quickness to make it difficult to be guarded by larger forwards and centers. His talent level will not allow teams to double down on Washington who led the Razorbacks in points, rebounds, and blocks last season.

Where Coach John Pelphrey really has got steam going is on the recruiting trail.

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