Adou Thiero, formerly of Kentucky, has committed to Arkansas, as reported by Joe Tipton of On3.
Thiero entered the transfer portal in March, preceding coach John Calipari’s announcement of his departure from the Wildcats. Now, he reunites with Calipari in Fayetteville.
During his sophomore year at UK, Thiero averaged 7.2 points and 5.0 rebounds in 21.4 minutes per game.
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic praised Thiero as “one of the few Wildcats this year to consistently bring value on the defensive end,” noting his disruptive presence on the court and tenacity under the boards. Vecenie also acknowledged Thiero’s contributions on offense, highlighting his attention to detail in executing crucial plays.
With regards to his new team, Calipari mentioned during his introductory press conference that he inherited a largely blank slate, given the significant turnover from the 2023-24 season due to graduations, NBA draft declarations, and transfers.
Thiero becomes the second former Kentucky player to commit to the Razorbacks, following Zvonimir Ivišić’s decision in April. Additionally, Karter Knox, Billy Richmond, and Boogie Fland, all initially committed to Kentucky, have now pledged their futures to Arkansas.
Calipari’s recruitment efforts have also secured commitments from former FAU guard Johnell Davis and former Tennessee center Jonas Aidoo from the transfer portal.
Despite the substantial roster changes, Calipari and his staff have swiftly filled out their squad, setting high expectations for the upcoming season. While the Razorbacks may face challenges due to the turnover, the long-term goal of returning Arkansas to Final Four contention appears to be progressing ahead of schedule under Calipari’s leadership.
The question on everyone’s mind is whether there’s another Kentucky star in Calipari’s sights.
Given the unpredictable nature of the transfer portal and the dynamics of college basketball recruitment, speculation is rampant.
While no specific names have been confirmed, rumors abound about potential candidates who could be enticed by the opportunity to join Calipari’s program at Arkansas. With the coach’s track record of developing players and competing at the highest level, it’s no wonder that talented individuals may be considering a move.
Calipari’s ability to attract top-tier talent has been on full display in recent years, and his success in filling out the Razorbacks’ roster underscores his recruiting prowess. Whether he has his eye on another Kentucky standout or is looking to unearth a hidden gem, one thing is certain: Coach Cal is always on the lookout for players who can help his team succeed.
As the college basketball offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on John Calipari and his recruiting efforts. Whether he can lure another Kentucky star to Arkansas remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: where Calipari goes, attention follows.
