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Former Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Nolan Richardson during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Bud Walton Arena. Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Part Three: Richardson set standard of basketball greatness at Arkansas

Originally posted on Arkansas Razorbacks on SI
By Jacob Davis | Last updated Aug 10, 2025 3:30 PM ET

The third coach who impacted Arkansas Razorbacks sports in the most ultimate way possible is Nolan Richardson.

His legacy extends beyond the University of Arkansas, he broke racial barriers for much of his time as a player and coach. He also remains as one of the most beloved figures in the state even 25 years removed from the last Razorback game coached.

Feeding the Monster

While former Arkansas coach Eddie Sutton created a monster in Fayetteville with an impressive 260-75 overall record across 11 seasons, Richardson is the one who fed it with three Final Fours and the 1994 national championship.

He consistently put his Razorbacks teams in the NCAA Tournament while also winning over 400 games during his time as coach.

Combined with a rabid fanbase inside a cramped 10,000 seat Barnhill Arena and always sold out Bud Walton Arena, his "40 Minutes of Hell" made Arkansas a feared opponent on the schedule.

The relentless full court pressure defense combined with guys that could shoot the casing off a ball was fun to watch, but overwhelmed opponents to the extent of giving up.

This brand of basketball has and never will be replicated. It was something specially made for Arkansas.

As was mentioned earlier, Richardson broke the racial when he was hired at Arkansas from Tulsa after Sutton left after the 1984-1985 season. Not only was he the first African-American head coach in the South, but also the SEC.

He was a natural born winner, the only coach guide teams to championships in the JUCO ranks, NIT and NCAA Tournament.

Throughout his career, he was an underdog even when his 1994 Arkansas Razorbacks national championship team wasn't considered on the same level court IQ wise before facing Duke.

"How can you say 'we're not a smart team?' We're right here in the national championship game," Richardson said prior to the 1994 championship game in Charlotte. "To me it was some racial undertones there.”

How Richardson is Remembered

Following his college coaching career, Richardson was named to the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

Just a few years later in 2014, Richardson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, which enshrines those who made outstanding contributions to the sport.

In an honor that was much overdue, the University of Arkansas made a move that will forever commemorate Richardson's leadership as coach by naming the court at Bud Walton Arena after him in 2019.

Just last week, Richardson was named Arkansan of the Year by the Arkansas Broadcasters Association in Hot Springs for his leadership of the Razorbacks basketball program for 17 seasons.

He joined a long list of previous recipients include a pair of former Razorbacks coaches in Lou Holtz (football) and John McDonnell (track and field).

Richardson didn't just win games in Fayetteville, but he transformed the identity of Arkansas basketball forever. He elevated the school's national profile and opened doors wide open for minority coaches looking to break into the business.

His legacy built on bravery, courage and innovation as one of the greatest basketball minds in the history of basketball at all levels.