Men's Hoops
Hogs forward Adou Thiero emerges as first-found NBA Draft prospect
Despite shooting limitations, Thiero’s explosive athleticism and defensive versatility have NBA scouts intrigued about his professional potential
When Adou Thiero arrived at Arkansas, few predicted he would become a one-and-done NBA prospect.
The explosive 6-foot-8 forward’s remarkable season has positioned him for potential first-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, with recent mock drafts showing increasing confidence in his professional potential.
Thiero’s journey to this point reads like a blueprint for athletic development.
The son of former Memphis player Almamy Thiero, who played under John Calipari, basketball runs deep in his family.
His mother Mariam also played college basketball at Oklahoma City, giving him a rich basketball lineage that manifested in his athletic gifts.
Those gifts were on full display during his lone season with the Razorbacks, where he led the team with 15.6 points per game while shooting an efficient 54.8% from the field.
His explosive first step and powerful frame made him a nightmare for defenders, though his shooting remained a work in progress at just 25.6% from three-point range.
“Thiero is a slasher with a jacked frame and an explosive first step,” said Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports, who projects Thiero as the 28th overall pick to the Boston Celtics. “If he’s able to figure out the shot, then his length and versatility would make him a classic 3-and-D role player.”
The forward’s defensive potential particularly excites NBA scouts.
In 28.3 minutes per game, Thiero averaged 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 0.8 blocks, showcasing his ability to impact the game on both ends.
His combination of strength and agility allows him to guard multiple positions, a crucial skill in today’s switch-heavy NBA defenses.
A February knee injury threatened to derail Thiero’s draft momentum when he was forced to miss eight consecutive games, including crucial NCAA Tournament matchups.
He attempted a comeback during Arkansas’s Sweet 16 game against Texas Tech, but managed only five minutes of playing time, recording just one point and one rebound.
Despite the setback, Arkansas head coach John Calipari remains bullish on Thiero’s NBA readiness.
“If you watch the NBA Playoffs, it is so rough you better be built like Adou Thiero,” Calipari said at a recent Razorback Roadshow event. “He is physically ready right now and athletically, hits his head on the rim right now. He’s got to heal, but I think he’s in pretty good shape.”
The timing of Thiero’s recovery could actually work in his favor. With the NBA Draft scheduled for June 25-26 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, he has valuable time to demonstrate his health to NBA teams during pre-draft workouts.
His athletic testing numbers could be particularly important in solidifying his first-round status.
NBA talent evaluators point to several successful pros with similar profiles.
While Thiero’s shooting needs development, his defensive versatility and explosive athleticism draw comparisons to players who have carved out valuable roles as energy forwards and defensive specialists in the league.
The Boston Celtics, where O’Connor projects Thiero to land, could be an ideal fit.
The organization has a strong track record of developing players, particularly in the shooting department.
Their system, focusing on defensive versatility and transition offense, aligns well with Thiero’s strengths.
As the draft approaches, Thiero’s stock appears stable in the late first round, with teams valuing his immediate defensive impact potential and athletic upside.
While his offensive game needs refinement, particularly his outside shooting, his physical tools and defensive instincts provide a solid foundation for NBA success.
The 2025 NBA Draft begins June 25 at 7 p.m. for the first round, with the second round following on June 26.
