Arkansas coach John Calipari and his staff recruit at one of the highest levels, win continuously, and prepare players for the NBA. He has 877 victories in 33 years with UMass, Memphis, Kentucky, and Arkansas. Photo courtesy of Arkansas athletics.
Experience Level: Arkansas coach John Calipari returns the experience of D.J. Wagner, Trevon Brazile, and Billy Richmond, III, as the Razorbacks look to move forward from last season’s Sweet 16 appearance. They closed the regular season strong before picking up an SEC Tournament win. They also defeated Kansas and No. 5 St. John’s in the NCAA Tournament, but ultimately suffered an 85-83 overtime loss to Texas Tech in the Sweet 16.
“I really believe in what we do; you’d better be with good people, your staff and the players that they take responsibility for,” said Calipari. “That we all own what’s going on, including them and the staff. When things get rough, it’s what kind of hardens you to what this really is about.”
Richmond will be one of the most versatile players in the game, thanks to his ability to create dynamic shot opportunities. Wagner has established his confidence and will work as the Razorbacks’ primary ball handler. The 6-11 Brazile is an effective rebounder, and his athleticism can make him more of a scorer than he has been.
“I believe his best version is being more aggressive, less dribbles, more attack,” said Calipari of Wagner’s improvement. “The things that he’s doing, the way he leads. He’s just matured.
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Hurryin’ Hog: Wagner enters his third season under Calipari, as he opened at Kentucky as a freshman. He transitioned into his point guard role and helped the Hogs supply the Sweet 16 run, and his ability to conduct the offense solidified the backcourt.
“He can do it,” Calipari said of Wagner. “He’s done it in games. He is as good a kid as I’ve ever coached, works as hard as anybody I’ve ever coached. The breakthrough is all within himself. It’s there. Now it’s time to go show it all, so…”
Deep Definition: When a player signs with Coach Cal, he knows that he is going to be featured in a winning program, plus his skills and abilities will improve enough to create a potential NBA opportunity.
Calipari brought in forward Malik Ewin, a transfer from Florida State, and forward Nick Pringle, a South Carolina transfer who started at Alabama.
He also added five-star Isaiah Sealy, who is an athletic presence from Springdale, Ark., and was named the State Player of the Year by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
“You still have to be able to throw it to a guy in the post at times and get a free basket,” noted Calipari. “We did it with Jonas (Aidoo) at the end of the year, which is why we advanced.” 
5-Stars Equal a Universe: Five-star guards Darius Acuff and Maleek Thomas will help Calipari to assemble an eclectic rotation, which will enjoy playing together in the backcourt. Thomas is a dynamic scorer, as he was rated the second-best shooter in the Class of 2025.
Acuff joins Thomas as a McDonald’s All-American, and he will have a chance to start on the point with his leadership and ability to take control of a game.
“Every kid is on their own path,” explained Calipari. “Like, we tell every kid that I recruit – ‘You plan on staying two or three years. If after a year you’re good enough to leave, I’ve got no problem with that. I’m not going to have you stay.'”