Razorbacks might lack in size, but have much higher potential than any other Calipari-led Arkansas squad
This Arkansas roster may be more athletic than any John Calipari has had in Fayetteville, even if it still lacks proven pure shooting.
What he does have is a roster full of rim runners, downhill guards and versatile wings built for dribble-drive action, half-court spacing and transition offense.
Arkansas’ backcourt has plenty of length up and down the roster with multiple players who can defend 1-4. Where they might lack is size in the post, which has been a key issue in the Razorbacks making a deeper run to the NCAA Tournament.
On paper, this roster is arguably the most talented of any squad Arkansas has ever put on the court. Led by a freshman class full of 5-stars, their youth will be tested early on but the payoff will be greater once they all gel together.
Current Hogs Roster
Jordan Smith, Jr., Guard, Freshman
JJ Andrews, Guard, Freshman
Abdou Toure, Wing, Freshman
Miikka Muurinen, Forward, Freshman
Maper Maker, Forward, Freshman
Paulo Semedo, Forward, Redshirt Freshman
Isaiah Sealy, Forward, Sophomore
Jeremiah Wilkinson, Guard, Junior
Cooper Bowser, Forward, Senior
Impact Addition
Georgia transfer Jeremiah Wilkinson might lack for size, but that hasn’t limited him in production in his first two seasons. The Razorbacks were in dire need of a go-to scorer to go alongside a very young backcourt.
Wilkinson enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign with the Bulldogs, starting in 21-of-31 games and averaged over 17 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
He became an exceptional scoring option while making 41% of his attempts from the field, 36% beyond the arc and a 79% mark at the free throw line.
Stay or Go?
Meleek Thomas and Billy Richmond III each had exceptional seasons with the Razorbacks and were instrumental in the team’s run to another Sweet 16.
For Thomas, he is the more likely of the two to keep his name in a generationally deep NBA Draft field. He averaged over 16 points per game and shot an eye-popping 49% beyond the arc during SEC play.
Most of the country thought of him as Darius Acuff’s “Robin” but when he was called upon as the lead guard, he not only showed up, but showed out.
That was more than evident when Acuff sat out in the regular season finale at Missouri, as Thomas scored a career-high 30 points on 10-of-23 from the field and a 5-of-6 mark from three.
Not only was he the Razorbacks’ leading scorer that day, he contributed in several other areas with seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and only one turnover.
He has the ability to compete on both ends of the floor by controlling the pace of a game as a lead guard, limits turnovers (one per game), understands how to use his 6-foot-7 wingspan to defend the perimeter and alter shots.
Most mock draft boards have Thomas slotted in the upper-20s to late first round. Calipari has often bargained with his athletes who are on the cusp of the first round to return to school.
With such a deep class, Thomas still has a chance to make plenty of money as an NBA rookie. But he could also return to school while commanding a large price tag that he has more than earned to this point.
Prediction: Leaves for NBA
When it comes to Richmond’s draft stock this offseason, he is at a crossroads with a decision most sophomores struggle with.
He can go to the NBA, take some time to fully develop his offensive skillset and potentially be a rotational piece by year two. There is the possibility he returns to school, continues to work on his game and become a first round pick following a successful junior season.
Then, there is the part no one wants to talk about.
What if he returns to Arkansas, continues to be a high energy guy, but doesn’t take his game to the next level? His draft stock takes a dive instead while remaining a second round prospect.
Sometimes, it’s all about striking while the iron is hot and this is one of the toughest decisions Richmond will ever have to make in his basketball career.
PREDICTION: Stays with Arkansas, 2027 First Round Pick
When a player works as hard as Richmond does, it’s hard to keep him from taking leaps in his development year over year.
If he can continue to make shots at a high level, refine his three-point shot and handle the pressure of being a first round pick in next year’s draft then Richmond can pocket himself some serious cash over the next year.