QuoteBefore John Calipari even left Kentucky for Arkansas, sophomore Adou Thiero had already entered his name into the transfer portal and was expected to play under a new coach next season. But on Monday, Thiero announced on social media that he'll instead follow Calipari and suit up for the Razorbacks in 2024-25.

Thiero elected to stick with his head coach of the last two years, choosing Arkansas over a group of finalists that also included North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Indiana, and a return to Kentucky. The 6-foot-8 wing took a visit to Pitt in late April before making a surprise trip to Arkansas last week.

"I started with Coach Cal and want to see it through with him," Thiero told ESPN. "Very excited to join the family and ready to get to work."



Thiero's father, Almamy, played for Calipari back in the Memphis days, so there's a strong connection between Calipari and the Thiero family. That being said, the sense was that Thiero would look away from Kentucky and Calipari once he initially put his name into the portal. However, his familiarity with playing in Calipari's system and a desire to reach the NBA (he's a projected first-round pick in 2025) helped push him to Arkansas.

"(Calipari is) known for putting guys in the NBA that also stay in the NBA and coach Kenny Payne, who is now with him again, was also there for some of those years," Thiero said, per ESPN. "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 was an under-the-radar prospect out of high school as a low-end three-star recruit. But a significant growth spurt going into college saw his potential skyrocket.

At Arkansas, Thiero will join his former Kentucky teammate, Zvonimir Ivisic, in Fayetteville, along with a trio of incoming freshmen who were previously committed to the Wildcats: Boogie Fland, Billy Richmond, and Karter Knox.

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Quote from: mizzouman on Today at 12:17:45 pm3) A forced rivalry or not.  It doesn't matter.  Not sure why people are angry that the SEC is trying to make this a rivalry.

QuoteThe major factor would be, I just don't care about beating Mizzou the way I care about beating Texas, Texas A&M, LSU, or Ole Miss.

QuoteAll players who have an additional year of eligibility will be penciled in to return unless they're projected to be first-round picks in the 2024 NBA Draft or proclaim that they plan to stay in the 2024 NBA Draft.

13. Arkansas
Projected Starting 5:
G Boogie Fland
G Johnell Davis
G Karter Knox
F Adou Thiero
C Jonas Aidoo
Projected Bench: Zvonimir Ivisic, Billy Richmond
Key Newcomers: Johnell Davis (Florida Atlantic), Jonas Aidoo (Tennessee), Zvonimir Ivisic (Kentucky), Boogie Fland, Billy Richmond, Karter Knox, Adou Thiero (Kentucky)
Key Losses: Tramon Mark, Khalif Battle
Entered 2024 NBA Draft while retaining eligibility: Johnell Davis

QuoteAll players who have an additional year of eligibility will be penciled in to return unless they're projected to be first-round picks in the 2024 NBA Draft or proclaim that they plan to stay in the 2024 NBA Draft.

13. Arkansas
Projected Starting 5:
G Boogie Fland
G Johnell Davis
G Karter Knox
F Adou Thiero
C Jonas Aidoo
Projected Bench: Zvonimir Ivisic, Billy Richmond
Key Newcomers: Johnell Davis (Florida Atlantic), Jonas Aidoo (Tennessee), Zvonimir Ivisic (Kentucky), Boogie Fland, Billy Richmond, Karter Knox, Adou Thiero (Kentucky)
Key Losses: Tramon Mark, Khalif Battle
Entered 2024 NBA Draft while retaining eligibility: Johnell Davis

Quote from: PonderinHog on Today at 12:34:08 pmI can't!  Can you?

Quote from: tophawg19 on Today at 02:45:20 pmWagner is my guess although Jordan Burks may beat him to it . It's been reported that Burks is a silent commit and has 2 CB's to Arkansas. Not sure why he remains silent