FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Former Arkansas guard Joseph Pinion has found a new home, and it's with an in-state school.
Pinion, a former top-150 recruit from the 2022 class, announced his plans to transfer to Arkansas State on Saturday. The Morrilton native entered the transfer portal on March 15, one day after the Razorbacks lost to South Carolina in the second round of the SEC Tournament.
Pinion appeared in 20 games this past season, averaging a mere 5.4 minutes per game. During that time, the sophomore guard averaged 2.4 points on 40% shooting and was 5 of 18 (27%) from three.
In his two seasons as a Razorback, Pinion played 45 games and averaged 5.6 minutes per game with a 43/35/92 shooting split.
Pinion's best game of the season came in a 90-68 loss to Florida when he recorded 12 points, two rebounds, and one assist in 21 minutes off the bench. Arkansas played 15 different Hogs in that game as head coach Eric Musselman experimented with various lineups.
While at Morrilton High School, Pinion was an ESPN four-star recruit who helped the Devil Dogs to the 2021 Class 4A state title game before falling to Mills University Studies 49-46 at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs.
Pinion joins a Red Wolves program that reached new heights this season. The team finished with a 20-17 overall record, including 11-7 in the Sun Belt Conference.
Arkansas State lost to James Madison in the Sun Belt Tournament championship game. The team also reached the Ro College Basketball Invitational semifinals before losing a heartbreaker to top-seeded High Point.
Additionally, the Red Wolves beat Sun Belt foe Troy 79-71 on ESPNU, the program's first nationally televised game since 1997.
Following the season, Arkansas State head coach Bryan Hodgson signed a contract extension through March 31, 2029.