Four-star in-state forward JJ Andrews commits to Arkansas basketball, John Calipari
John Calipari is keeping an in-state star home with Arkansas basketball's first commitment in the class of 2026.
Little Rock Christian Academy's JJ Andrews announced his pledge to the Razorbacks on Thursday at a ceremony inside the high school, choosing Arkansas over SEC rivals Missouri and LSU. Andrews is a 6-foot-6 wing who is the state's top recruit and the country's 37th-best prospect in the 247Sports Composite Rankings.
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Andrews is also a legacy prospect for the Razorbacks. His father, Shawn Andrews, played offensive line for Arkansas from 2001-03 and went on to have a seven-year career in the NFL. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and spent a bulk of those years with the Philadelphia Eagles.
JJ was recently named the 2024-25 Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year. He averaged 28.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and two blocks during his junior season, leading Little Rock Christian into the second round of the AHSAA 5A Playoffs. The Warriors fell to Benton, which went on to win the state title.
Mar 22, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari during the first half of a second round men's NCAA Tournament game against the St. John's Red Storm at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
According to 247Sports, JJ has a 7-foot wingspan to go along with his powerful frame. He's adept at getting downhill and finishing through traffic around the basket with the ideal combo of size and athleticism to become an elite defender. JJ needs to become more consistent with his shooting mechanics but has made strides in every year of his high school career.
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JJ is the second in-state prospect to commit to Calipari since his arrival in Fayetteville. Springdale High School's Isaiah Sealy signed with the Hogs during the previous recruiting cycle and will be on the Hogs' roster for the upcoming season. Sealy was the 74th-ranked player in the country in the Class of 2025.
Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@gannett.com or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Little Rock Christian's JJ Andrews commits to Arkansas basketball, John Calipari
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