Little Rock Trojans Began First Official Practice
The team officially started its 2026-2027 season preparations under new head coach Travis Ford.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Basketball
Live Poll
Do you believe a team with mostly new players can perform better than returning rosters?
The Little Rock Trojans men's basketball team held its first official NCAA-allowed practice on September 21, 2026. This marks the start of the 2026-2027 season for the squad and the beginning of the tenure for head coach Travis Ford.
Why it matters
The program enters a rebuilding phase after replacing almost the entire roster during the offseason. The coaching staff is now focused on installing new systems and terminology to build chemistry among the 15 new additions.
The roster features 16 total players, with only one returner from last season. Terrion Burgess stands at 6'9", while captains Jah'Likai King and Aaron Clark measure 6'2" and 6'5" respectively.
The players
Travis Ford
He is the head coach of the Little Rock Trojans who previously held the same position at Saint Louis.
Terrion Burgess
He is the only returning player on the Trojans roster and played in six games last season.
Jah'Likai King
He is a team captain from Newburgh, New York, who stands 6'2" tall.
Aaron Clark
He is a team captain from Easton, Pennsylvania, who stands 6'5" tall.
The details
The coaching staff is currently focused on integrating the 15 new players through intensive team practices. The team has set goals to compete for a conference title and qualify for the NCAA tournament this season.
Timeline
Travis Ford was hired as head coach in March 2026.
The team held its first official practice on September 21, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This roster overhaul positions the Trojans in a transitional period as they attempt to establish a new competitive identity. Their success hinges on how quickly the coaching staff can integrate 15 new players to contend for the conference title.
With 15 new players on the roster, the team's ability to develop immediate chemistry will determine its chances of reaching the NCAA tournament. The primary on-court metric to watch will be how captain Jah'Likai King and Aaron Clark command the new offensive sets.
The takeaway
The Trojans are prioritizing the installation of new systems to accommodate a nearly entirely new lineup. Fans should expect a steep learning curve as the squad adjusts to the terminology and sets introduced by the new coaching staff.
Further reading
For more on local sports, visit the Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AMP.
Live Poll
Do you believe a team with mostly new players can perform better than returning rosters?
