FAYETTEVILLE — Daryl Macon wasn't always the upbeat, quick-witted member of the Razorbacks basketball team fans are familiar with now.
When the Arkansas guard isn't busy trying to elicit a laugh, he speaks more softly and his mood turns reflective. The seriousness of his eyes betrays his well-deserved reputation as the easygoing, light-hearted jokester.
He shouldn't be here.
If Macon had his way, way back as a senior in high school, he wouldn't be in Fayetteville, where he is one of the key members of a team that will make its third NCAA Tournament appearance in four seasons when it opens play against Butler (20-13) on Friday.