Difference noticeable with Sills

FAYETTEVILLE — When University of Arkansas Coach Mike Anderson decided to put Desi Sills into the starting lineup, the freshman guard from Jonesboro showed he was up to the challenge.

“My reaction was I’ve got to step up for my team,” Sills said. “Coach has given me the opportunity to be a starter, and I’m running with it.”

Sills has averaged

9.8 points, 1.8 assists, 1.6 rebounds and 23.8 minutes starting the past five games. He has shot 50 percent (15 of 30) from the field as a starter, including 11 of 17 on three-pointers.

“I’ve been putting the work in before practice, and even on the off days,” Sills said of his hot shooting. “Just trying to get up shots and help my teammates out.”

Sills scored a career-high 15 points against Kentucky at Rupp Arena in his first road start. The Wildcats won 7066, but the Razorbacks built on their strong performance and have won their past three games.

“I think Desi’s energy is contagious,” Anderson said. “He’s knocking shots down. He’s making plays, getting to the basket. He’s got a good game — and I think his confidence has really soared.

“He’s a competitor. I want our guys competing for playing time, and he’s competing for it. He’s helping our basketball team defensively, offensively, and I think he brings an edge that you’ve got to have. Especially in that guard position.”

Arkansas All-SEC sophomore forward Daniel Gafford said Sills never lacks for effort.

“He gives you 110 percent, maybe even more,” Gafford said. “We feed off of him, and it goes through the whole team.”

Sills said his success on offense as a starter hasn’t changed his mentality about being a stopper on defense.

“Defense leads to offense,” Sills said. “So I’m maintaining that and doing what I can on the offensive end to help us score when it’s needed.”