Men's Hoops
Paulo Semedo commits to Arkansas, bolstering Razorbacks’ frontcourt
Arkansas lands 7-foot-1 Angolan center Paulo Semedo, further strengthening John Calipari’s 2025 Razorbacks roster with global talent
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas’ John Calipari has secured another major addition for the 2025 season and it’s a big one.
The Razorbacks got 7-foot-1 Angolan center Paulo Semedo announced to commit on Friday.
The towering big man, who most recently played at West Oaks Academy in Orlando, Florida, is widely seen as a key piece in Calipari’s first full recruiting cycle at Arkansas and adds further international flavor to an already diverse roster.
Semedo, who weighs in at 220 pounds, is not currently ranked in the 247Sports recruiting database but was recognized as a Top 50 prospect nationally by ESPN.
That just further highlighted the intrigue surrounding his raw talent and potential. He reportedly chose Arkansas over offers from Arizona State, Florida State, and Miami. ESPN’s recruiting coverage lists Semedo as a “legitimate 7-footer with a “7-5 wingspan” who can change the game defensively while showing flashes of skill on offense.
Born and raised in Angola, Semedo’s journey to Fayetteville has been marked by stints in both African and American youth basketball circuits.
He impressed scouts with his size and mobility at West Oaks Academy, a Florida basketball powerhouse known for producing Division I talent. According to his AAU coaches, Semedo is “too tall for guards, too skilled for bigs,” a sentiment echoed by his performances in national showcases.
Semedo becomes the 14th player added to Arkansas’s roster under Calipari for the coming season, joining a frontcourt that was already boosted by recent commitments from Bosnian center Elmir Dzafic and transfer veterans Malique Ewin (Florida State) and Nick Pringle (Alabama/South Carolina).
The Razorbacks also recently secured the return of key contributors from last season, including Karter Knox, Trevon Brazile, Billy Richmond, and DJ Wagner, all of whom announced their intentions to stay in Fayetteville this spring.
The 2025 recruiting class, already ranked No. 6 nationally and best in the SEC, is further highlighted by the arrivals of five-star guards Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas, as well as four-star forward Isaiah Sealy and international forward Karim Rtail.
Acuff and Thomas recently shined at the McDonald’s All-American Game, underscoring the high expectations for this incoming class.
While Semedo’s stats from his high school season at West Oaks Academy are not widely published, scouts describe him as an elite rim protector with a feel for rebounding and shot-blocking.
His offensive game is developing, but he has flashed a reliable mid-range jumper and soft hands around the rim.
“He’s a true anchor in the paint,” said one Florida-based scout, “and with Calipari’s track record of developing bigs, Semedo could blossom into a legitimate SEC force.”
Calipari’s approach to overhauling the Arkansas roster has combined blue-chip American prospects, experienced transfers, and international talent, reflecting a recognition of the increasingly global nature of college basketball recruiting.
“We’re looking for guys who can play at the highest level, no matter where they come from,” Calipari reportedly told ESPN after securing Semedo’s commitment.
With the addition of Semedo, the Hogs are poised to feature one of the most intriguing frontcourts in the country.
The Razorbacks’ blend of size, versatility, and experience should allow Calipari significant flexibility in lineups and tactics, particularly in a deep and competitive SEC.
