John Calipari is still in the process of remaking the roster at Arkansas for his first season with the Razorbacks. In the process, the head coach has landed another player he is very familiar with.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello and Jonathan Givony, the Razorbacks are landing Kentucky transfer Adou Thiero. The 6-foot-8 forward is already a player on the rise in regard to the 2025 NBA Draft, and he’s following Calipari after 2 seasons with the Wildcats.

“I started with Coach Cal and want to see it through with him,” he said. “Very excited to join the family and ready to get to work… After already playing for him and developing after two years, I feel that he knows my game and will put me in the right position to succeed and achieve my goals.”

Thiero made a big leap from his freshman to sophomore season, starting 19 games (25 appearances) last season while averaging 7.2 points and 4 rebounds. He shot 49% from the floor and just shy of 53% from inside the arc.

Impact on Arkansas

Calipari has been working hard to reshape the Razorbacks for his first season, and he has utilized some key SEC transfers to make it happen. Along with Thiero, Arkansas also added former Wildcat Zvonimir Ivisic.

Former Tennessee big man Jonas Aidoo gives the Razorbacks a trio of SEC transfers, and that group is poised to make a major impact right out of the gate. Johnell Davis, a 6-foot-4 guard from FAU, is the other transfer piece currently committed to Arkansas.

Along with the more veteran presence those players will bring, Arkansas has picked up some ultra-elite high school commitments this cycle. After originally committing to Kentucky while Calipari was there, the Razorbacks have since added commitments from Boogie Fland, Karter Knox and Billy Richmond. Each of those players is a 5-star recruit for the 2024 recruiting class.

With that kind of firepower, Calipari and Arkansas will be in the mix for the SEC title during the 2024-25 season.