John Calipari is in search of one final major contributor to complete the Arkansas basketball roster for the upcoming season. With eight players already secured, Calipari aims to add one more big-time transfer to bolster the team. Despite initial speculation that the roster would consist of only nine players, Calipari clarified his plans during the SEC Spring Meetings. He intends for the first nine additions to be significant contributors and earners through NIL deals, while the remaining spots will be for traditional scholarship players who must earn their minutes and NIL opportunities.
Calipari has already recruited familiar faces from his time at Kentucky, including forwards Zvonimir Ivisic, Adou Thiero, and guard DJ Wagner, who played under him last season. Additionally, three freshman signees—forward Karter Knox, guard Boogie Fland, and forward Billy Richmond—had prior commitments to Kentucky before Calipari’s departure. The notable transfer signees thus far are former Florida Atlantic guard Johnell Davis and former Tennessee transfer Jonas Aidoo, both highly rated portal targets with no prior connection to Calipari at Kentucky.
To complete the roster in Fayetteville, Calipari is now focusing on strengthening the front court. Three names stand out as likely targets for the Hogs to address this need.
