Opening created by dismissal

FAYETTEVILLE — Dustin Thomas’ dismissal from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville basketball team means the Razorbacks will have a new starting forward for the first time in seven games when they open SEC Tournament play Thursday night in St. Louis.

The Razorbacks will play the winner of tonight’s South Carolina-Ole Miss game.

Arkansas Coach Mike Anderson dismissed Thomas — who had 17 starts this season, including the past six games — for an undisclosed violation of team rules.

“You have some adversity take place and hopefully that means you have your team rally,” Anderson said. “Somebody’s misfortune is another guy’s opportunity.

“But to me it won’t take away with what we’re trying to accomplish here with this basketball team.”

The Razorbacks (21-10) are 5-0 this season without Thomas, who averaged 5.0 points and 4.1 rebounds in 19.2 minutes.

Thomas was suspended for the first three games

against Samford, Bucknell and Fresno State, and Anderson chose not to play him in home games against Ole Miss and South Carolina.

“It’s the next guy up,” Anderson said. “That’s how we are as a team.”

Players who could take Thomas’ spot in the starting lineup include sophomore Adrio Bailey (12 starts this season), freshman Darious Hall (five), senior Arlando Cook (two) or freshman Gabe Osabuohien (no starts).

“So that’s why I say it’s important for all these guys to get quality minutes throughout the year, because you never ever know in a season that guys may get hurt, you may have foul trouble,” Anderson said. “Somebody has got to step up to the plate, and we’ve got to keep it going right through the middle of the road.

“Keep that car running down the middle of the road and running really efficient.”

Anderson declined to specify the reason for Thomas’ dismissal or whether Thomas’ citation for marijuana possession on Feb. 9, according to a Fayetteville Police Department report, had an impact.

“Team rules are very, very important,” Anderson said. “There are standards here, and all of our guys are going to abide by them.”