Power Move in the Paint: Arkansas Razorbacks Land Major Commitment from Florida State Transfer Malique Ewin – Can the Versatile Big Man Anchor a New Era in Fayetteville?
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., April 17, 2025 — In a move that immediately bolsters Arkansas’s frontcourt and electrifies Razorback Nation, head coach Eric Musselman announced today the commitment of 6‑foot‑10 forward Malique Ewin from Florida State. A former Top‑100 recruit who struggled for consistent minutes in Tallahassee, Ewin arrives in Fayetteville intent on unlocking his high ceiling—and helping the Hogs reclaim their spot atop the SEC.
A Seamless Blend of Size and Skill
Ewin brings a prototypical college‑basketball frame—standing 6‑10, 240 pounds with a seven‑foot wingspan—and the polished touch of a seasoned big man. Capable of beating defenders with power in the post, stepping out and knocking down mid‑range jumpers, or threading entry passes, he checks every box in Musselman’s position‑less, up‑tempo offense. “He’s exactly the kind of versatile big we covet: rim protection, floor spacing, and playmaking all in one package,” Musselman said. “Malique will help us in so many ways, on both ends.”
Fresh Start After a Crowded Court
At Florida State, Ewin averaged just 12 minutes per contest behind two established starters, but those limited appearances showcased his potential. He posted efficient per‑36 numbers—10.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks—while shooting 55 percent from the field. Sources within the FSU program credit Ewin’s work ethic and high basketball IQ, but point to a logjam of veteran bigs as the reason he sought a new home. “He’s a true student of the game,” an FSU assistant coach told reporters. “Sometimes talent outgrows opportunity—that was the case here.”
Musselman’s Transfer Factory
Under Musselman, Arkansas has become a perennial portal powerhouse, flipping undervalued transfers into All‑SEC contributors and NBA prospects. Witness Moses Moody’s one-and-done breakout or Jaylin Williams’s national defensive reputation—Ewin now joins a growing lineage. “Coach Muss knows how to maximize talent,” Ewin said after signing his Letter of Intent. “He’s proven he can take guys like me and help them reach the next level.”
Razorback Nation Reacts
Within minutes of the announcement, social media feeds were flooded with excitement:
@WooPigSqueal24: “Ewin gives us rim protection AND shooting? This is the package deal we needed!”
@CentralArkFan: “Big man versatility is the future. So excited to see him play in a Muss system.”
@SECHoopsReport: “FYI, Malique Ewin in the right role could be an All‑SEC performer next season.”
Local businesses downtown are already preparing “Ewin’s Paint Party” watch gatherings for the 2025‑26 home opener, while season‑ticket holders buzz about renewed optimism.
What It Means on Court
Arkansas finished 18–15 last year, with its frontcourt rotation often overmatched by quicker, more athletic teams. Ewin’s addition addresses both interior defense and half‑court spacing—areas Musselman cited as key offseason priorities. In lineups featuring veteran wing transfers and returning guards, Ewin projects as the primary rim protector and roll‑man on pick‑and‑rolls, freeing up shooters on the perimeter. Assistant coach Matt Zimmerman noted, “Malique will be our anchor defensively, but he’s also a fearless finisher in transition. That’s a game‑changer.”
Looking Ahead to 2025–26
With Ewin’s commitment in the books, Arkansas will continue to pursue backcourt depth and wing scoring in the transfer portal—but the frontcourt is now unquestionably stronger. As summer workouts loom and Musselman’s staff integrates Ewin into playbooks and drills, the buzz around Bud Walton Arena is palpable. If the 2025–26 Razorbacks harness this new versatility, Hog fans may be looking forward to a legitimate run at the SEC crown—and a return to March Madness prominence.
Malique Ewin may have landed in Fayetteville seeking opportunity, but he arrives with the tools to become one of the defining pieces of Arkansas’s next great basketball era.
