Ex-UK star Thiero joining Calipari at Arkansas

2025, is following John Calipari and will transfer to Arkansas, he informed ESPN on Monday.Thiero considered a long list of schools, narrowing it down last month to Pitt, Kentucky, Indiana, North Carolina and the Razorbacks.”I began with Coach Cal and want to see it

through with him,”he stated.” Very delighted to sign up with the family and ready to get to work.”A 6-foot-8 forward from Leetsdale, Pennsylvania, Thiero is

ranked No. 27 in ESPN’s 2025 NBA draft rankings. He started 19 games this past season for Calipari at Kentucky, averaging 7.2 points and 5.0 rebounds in 21.3 minutes. Some of the sophomore’s best contributions came in the Wildcats’ hardest games, putting up 16 points and 13 rebounds against Kansas in the Champions Classic; 15 points, 5 boards and 3 blocks versus Gonzaga; and 14 points and 8 rebounds in a win over Auburn.Thiero took a clear advance from his freshman season, when he balanced 2.3 points and 1.9 rebounds in 20 games.His advancement under Calipari and familiarity with the Hall of Fame head coach provided Arkansas the edge for his dedication.”He’s understood for putting guys in the NBA that also remain in the NBA and coach Kenny Payne, who is now with him once again, was also there for a few of those years,” Thiero stated.

“After already playing for him and developing after two years, I feel that he understands my game and will put me in the best position to be successful and achieve my goals.” Thiero becomes the 5th player to follow Calipari from Lexington to Fayetteville, joining incoming freshmen Boogie Fland, Karter Knox and Billy Richmond and increasing sophomore center Zvonimir Ivisic. The Razorbacks are likewise bringing in top-five transfer Johnell Davis from Florida Atlantic and all-SEC huge man Jonas Aidoo from Tennessee.Jonathan Givony is an NBA Draft specialist and

the creator and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private searching and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and International groups.