John Calipari had to completely rebuild the Arkansas basketball roster when he arrived in April. The good news is that the program and the coach have sold themselves.
Arkansas became a legitimate power — not elite level, but strong — under previous coach Eric Musselman. He led the Razorbacks to three consecutive Sweet Sixteens, including two consecutive Elite Eights, before the wheels fell off in 2023-24 and he left for USC after the season.
Calipari arrived in Fayetteville shortly thereafter with no scholarship players remaining on the roster. Forward Trevon Brazile finally decided to return, but the rest of the group had to be filled out in a hurry. These days, this is easier with the transfer portal.
Three Kentucky players joined him: guard DJ Wagner, forward Adou Thiero and center Avonimir Ivisic. SEC big man Jonas Aidoo came to Fayetteville from Tennessee. And Johnell Davis left Florida Atlantic to become a basketball player for the Hogs.
These five provided Arkansas with the Nation’s #1 Transfer Portal Recruiting Class, according to 247Sports rankings. Combined with freshmen Boogie Fland, Karter Knox and Billy Richmond – plus the return of Brazile – Arkansas’ lineup is that of a likely preseason top-10 team.
And it’s proof that what Musselman built can not only continue to be increased.
