The SEC had several teams dealing with late NBA Draft decisions. Almost all of them got good news, with their key players set to come back for next season. Arkansas was also waiting on decisions, but the difference with them is that they had two players going through the process late.
One was Adou Thiero, a 6’6 forward who was the team’s best player for most of last season. He had an offensive breakout campaign, averaging 15.2 ppg and 5.8 rpg. The athletic and versatile forward was a previous draft candidate, and this time, elected to stay in the NBA Draft.
While that’s a blow to the roster, the Razorbacks did get good news with the return of Karter Knox. The former top-50 prospect averaged 8.3 ppg and 3.3 rpg in 24 starts as a freshman, shooting 46% from the field and 35% from three-point range. His top games include 17 points against Oakland and 20 points versus Texas Tech in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
Knox’s role expanded while Thiero was out with an injury in the second half of last season, with a number of double-digit scoring outings. Now, he’s set to be a clear focal point of the offense on the wings for next season. Considering that Arkansas looked better with more of Knox instead of Thiero in their run to make the NCAA Tournament, these two moves shouldn’t be viewed as a net-negative for the program.
Arkansas’ rotation is now clearer for next season. Transfers Nick Pringle and Malique Ewin are the key frontcourt pieces, while returning guard DJ Wagner is joined by 5-star incoming freshmen Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas. Knox will start on the wings and be a breakout candidate to watch in both the SEC and nationally next season.