Razorbacks Target Quality Big Men in Transfer Portal as Season Develops

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Arkansas Razorbacks are on the hunt for at least one athletic big man through the transfer portal as they prepare for the upcoming season. Following a successful run with standout players like Trevon Brazile and Jonas Aidoo, the program seeks to enhance its roster with players who can match their dynamic style of play.

With Arkansas entering the transfer portal, the challenge remains to find suitable players, as typical options in the market do not fulfill the criteria now necessary for success in the SEC. The Razorbacks have enjoyed dominance in the NCAA Tournament with high-flying big men who can defend, run the floor, and shoot well beyond the basket.

Currently, the Razorbacks’ search is leading them to Bucknell‘s Noah Williamson, a potential candidate who has shown impressive skills. Williamson, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 205 pounds, averaged roughly 18 points and eight rebounds per game in the past season. While he possesses a commendable inside game and a decent three-point shot, concerns linger regarding his conditioning and ability to avoid foul troubles.

Arkansas coach John Calipari faces a tight timeline to develop Williamson’s potential before he heads into his final college season. Williamson has displayed moments of excellence, including his footwork and ability to power through shots, yet he averaged only one block per game against less formidable competition, a concerning statistic compared to the Razorbacks’ current players.

“The metrics don’t lie,” Calipari stated. “We need to ensure any recruit can meet the demands of SEC basketball.”

With NCAA changes allowing additional roster scholarships, Calipari may also pursue other prospects to fill gaps left by departing senior players, including guards Johnell Davis and Kareem Watkins. As part of those preparations, the Razorbacks are evaluating potential new addition Lamar Wilkerson from Sam Houston State, who led his conference in scoring while being a reliable rebounder and passer.

Wilkerson, a 6-foot-5 senior from Ashdown, Arkansas, has finished his season with impressive stats, garnering first team all-conference honors. He averaged nearly 21 points and shot 48% from the floor, along with strong three-point shooting percentages of 45% on attempts and 82% from the free-throw line.

The prospects for the Razorbacks seem promising as up to seven players could test the NBA waters this summer. Among potential recruits, Arkansas is pursuing 2026 5-star power forward Nate Ament, who ranks fourth nationally. The upcoming months indicate busyness and hustle for the Razorbacks as they navigate the transfer portal and upcoming recruitment deadlines.

Certainly, the future of Arkansas basketball appears to pivot on how effectively they maneuver through the changes in personnel and recruitment, echoing the sentiments expressed by legendary coach Nolan Richardson: “We’ve created a monster here, and we need to keep feeding it.”