DJ Wagner Sidesteps Interviewer’s Bait, Defends Calipari Ahead of Arkansas vs Hawaii March Madness has kicked off, and Arkansas basketball’s first-round matchup against 13-seed Hawai’i is less than 24 hours away. The NCAA Tournament’s unique media environment allows for a broader range of journalists to cover the action, including access to locker rooms after practices for informal Q&A sessions. While some players still participate in traditional press conferences, Arkansas’ DJ Wagner and Darius Acuff Jr. previewed their team’s showdown with the Rainbow Warriors on Wednesday. The Athletic’s Lindsey Schnell opened with a pointed question about John Calipari’s locker room presence, referencing his tendency to speak at length during press conferences. Wagner deflected the jab with a calm response: “Coach is who he is. He’s himself no matter where he’s at… He just likes to motivate us. Our meetings don’t take too long.” Schnell followed up with a question about the tournament’s expansion beyond 68 teams, to which Acuff replied, “This is my first year, so I don’t really have much to say on that. You have to ask certain coaches.” Wagner echoed the sentiment, adding, “Same for me, really.” Both players demonstrated poise in handling potentially awkward questions, focusing instead on their team’s goals. Arkansas’ priority is advancing deep into the tournament, a task that relies heavily on Acuff’s performance. The unanimous first-team All-American has been a key contributor, averaging 7.6 points and 2.4 assists while showing flashes of dominance in clutch moments. His ability to elevate his game in March could be critical for the Razorbacks’ success. Hawai’i, meanwhile, presents a formidable challenge. The mid-major squad ranks 212th in KenPom efficiency but boasts exceptional size, with five starters 6-foot-6 or taller.#hawai_i #darius_acuff_jr #john_calipari #dj_wagner #isaac_johnson
