Arkansas basketball center Nick Pringle questionable to play vs Hawaii

PORTLAND, Ore. — Arkansas’ frontcourt depth, already considered a concern, may be tested further in the Razorbacks’ NCAA Tournament opener.

The No. 4 seed Razorbacks (26-8) listed starting center Nick Pringle as questionable for Thursday’s first-round matchup against No. 13 Hawaii, according to an availability report released Wednesday night. Pringle did not take part in Arkansas’ open practice at the Moda Center, instead observing from the sideline with a sleeve covering his right leg. He performed light ball-handling work, collected rebounds and fed teammates during portions of the session visible to reporters.

Should Pringle be unavailable, the burden inside will fall primarily on forwards Trevon Brazile and Malique Ewin, the only other frontcourt players who consistently log minutes. Freshman Elmir Dzafic, who has appeared in seven games this season, joined Brazile and Ewin during Wednesday’s practice.

Pringle averages 4.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in 19 minutes per contest. His potential absence would be magnified against a Hawaii front line anchored by 7-foot center Isaac Johnson, the Big West Player of the Year, who posts 14.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.

Arkansas will also be without guard Karter Knox, who remains out after undergoing meniscus surgery in mid-February.