John Calipari appears to be shifting his focus away from high school prospects, now turning his attention to players with prior experience.
In Fayetteville, Arkansas, Coach John Calipari has recently been successful in securing commitments from three former Kentucky players, a feat that has elevated the Razorbacks’ recruiting class to a top five ranking, as reported by 247Sports.
Upon his introduction as the head coach of the Hogs, Calipari pledged to address the challenges posed by the transfer portal. With the majority of high school seniors already committed to other programs, Calipari recognized the need for a unique approach, relying heavily on transfers to build the roster.
Calipari’s recruiting momentum continues as he eyes former Tennessee center Jonas Aidoo and ex-Oklahoma State forward Brandon Garrison this weekend. While Arkansas has already secured the signing of Zvonimir Ivisic, his skill set differs from that of Aidoo and Garrison.
Ivisic stands out as a versatile forward with strong shooting abilities and adeptness in rim protection. Garrison, a former McDonald’s All-American, showcased his skills at Oklahoma State, demonstrating proficiency in scoring, rebounding, and facilitating.
Aidoo, with three years of SEC experience under his belt, brings immediate physicality to the frontcourt, boasting shot-blocking prowess and strong rebounding capabilities.
Additionally, former Kentucky forward Jordan Burks is under consideration as a potential transfer, offering promise under Calipari’s tutelage and the guidance of assistant coach Kenny Payne.
Arkansas is also pursuing veteran guard Johnell Davis, who has demonstrated his abilities at FAU and could bolster the team with his scoring and playmaking prowess.
Other noteworthy potential transfers include UNC-Wilmington forward Trazarien White, Seton Hall guard Kadary Richmond, Kentucky guard DJ Wagner, and USF guard/forward Kasean Pryor, all of whom could contribute significantly to Arkansas’ roster under Calipari’s leadership.
