John Calipari Sends Clear Message About Arkansas' Future After First Season
There's an emerging team in the SEC, rising as one of the best college basketball programs in the nation.
The Arkansas Razorbacks, led by John Calipari, are fresh off the first season of the new wave. Calipari took over as the head coach of the men's basketball program in 2024.
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He led the Razorbacks to the Sweet 16 in his first season, defeating Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks in the first round as well as Rick Pitino and St. John's in the second round.
As Calipari and the Razorbacks look to rebuild the roster for another run in the NCAA Tournament, the Arkansas head coach shared what seemed like a confident response on the team's future.
"Kid's coming back, (nods head), mhmmm," Calipari said.
Calipari's message on the official social media account of the Arkansas Razorbacks had this message attached, highlighting four key returners: Trevon Brazile, Jaden Karuletwa, Bill Richmond III and DJ Wagner.
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"AS OF THIS VERY MOMENT," posted the Arkansas Razorbacks.
"Most returners since 19-20 season."
"Returning over 40% of scoring."
"Returning over 45% of minutes."
Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari.Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
The Arkansas Razorbacks were led by a group of former blue-chip recruits last season, including Boogie Fland, Adou Thiero and Karter Knox.
Their leading scorer during the 2024-25 college basketball season was Thiero, who finished the year posting 15.1 points per game. Thiero also averaged 5.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
Fland and Knox are coming off their freshman seasons under Calipari.
All three players are heading to the 2025 NBA Draft after the season.
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