Thiero Declares for NBA Draft, Arkansas Looks to the Future with Knox and Rtail
Adou Thiero, one of Arkansas’ most dependable performers during a turbulent 2024-25 basketball season, has declared for the NBA Draft following his lone year with the Razorbacks.
Thiero’s decision, announced on Tuesday, didn’t come as a surprise to many familiar with the team’s trajectory. The 6-foot-6 junior forward from Pittsburgh, who transferred from Kentucky, consistently led Arkansas through a rollercoaster season under head coach John Calipari.
In a heartfelt statement, Thiero expressed gratitude for the journey that led him to this pivotal moment. “This decision comes after much thought and reflection,” Thiero said. “After a lot of hard work, dedication, and preparation, I am ready to take the next step in my career, and I can’t wait to see where this journey leads.”
Thiero’s play spoke for itself. Until a knee injury sidelined him during the Missouri game on February 22, he had failed to score in double digits only four times in 26 appearances. He finished the season with averages of 15.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.7 steals in 28.3 minutes per game.
Draft projections currently place him in the second round, though he could rise into late first-round consideration with a strong showing at pre-draft combines and workouts. Known for his elite athleticism, it took Thiero a few seasons to truly unlock his potential. After two modest years at Kentucky, his junior campaign at Arkansas showcased his transformation into one of the Southeastern Conference’s most improved players.
Thiero’s story also highlights a rare development arc under Coach Calipari, who usually coaches players destined for the NBA after just one season. Of the 56 players Calipari has sent to the NBA from Memphis and Kentucky, only seven stayed three or more years in college. Just two of those—Willie Cauley-Stein and Rodney Carney—became first-round picks. Thiero hopes to join that exclusive group.
With Thiero now focused on his professional future, attention turns to the next potential breakout star at Arkansas: Karter Knox.
Though not identical in style or stature, Knox is a strong candidate to fill Thiero’s shoes if he returns for his sophomore season. Standing two inches shorter but weighing the same 220 pounds, Knox flashed serious scoring potential throughout his freshman campaign. His ability to produce under pressure became particularly evident late in the season.
Knox’s progression was noticeable. In the season’s first 18 games, he averaged 6.3 points and 2.8 rebounds in just under 17 minutes per game. But over the final 18 contests, his playing time increased, and so did his production—averaging 10.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 31 minutes per game.
What sets Knox apart from Thiero is his perimeter shooting. Thiero struggled from beyond the arc, shooting only 25.6% on limited attempts. Knox, meanwhile, made 35% of his threes for the season, including a red-hot 43.5% over the final stretch. His ability to score from all three levels makes him a potential first-round selection in the 2026 NBA Draft—assuming he takes another leap in his sophomore year.
If Knox delivers on that promise, Arkansas may find itself preparing to replace another key player next offseason.
In the meantime, the program is also looking toward the future with its newest commit: Lebanese forward Karim Rtail.
Rtail isn’t a perfect match in terms of skill or build, but he brings his own intrigue as a unique international prospect. Despite being nearly 21 years old, Rtail will enter Arkansas as a freshman, giving Calipari several seasons to mold him—similar to how Thiero evolved over time.
At 6-foot-9 and 207 pounds, Rtail joins the Razorbacks from Lithuania’s National Basketball League (NKL), where he played for Neptūnas-Akvaservis. In 35 games this past season, he averaged 8.3 points and 4.5 rebounds in just over 17 minutes per game. His shooting splits—42.6% from the field, 31.4% from three, and 78.9% from the line—suggest a solid offensive foundation.
Rtail has also played in Italy, Montenegro, and for Lebanon’s national teams. At the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup in Hungary, he averaged 13.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while logging nearly 30 minutes of action. His international experience and maturity could help him make a smoother transition to college basketball than many other first-year players.
His agent, Ahmed Awadallah, credited Arkansas assistant Kenny Payne with spearheading Rtail’s recruitment, while emphasizing that head coach Calipari also played a significant role in articulating the program’s vision. “(Calipari) made sure Karim understood the vision for Arkansas and how this program, with the best coaching staff in college basketball and the most passionate fans in the SEC, could be the perfect place for his future,” said Awadallah.
While it remains to be seen whether Rtail can contribute immediately, his long-term potential aligns with Arkansas’ developmental model under Calipari. “His length, versatility on defense, and ability to score at all three levels make him a perfect fit,” said Awadallah. “He’s committed to doing whatever it takes to help the Razorbacks win games.”
It’s also worth noting that while Rtail has played professionally, the NKL is Lithuania’s second-tier league. Evaluating how that experience will translate to the SEC can be tricky, but comparisons with other former Division I players in that league offer some perspective.
For example, Kahlil Thomas, who starred at Rider, averaged slightly lower numbers in Lithuania despite strong collegiate stats. Similarly, Bryce McBride and Seyi Reiley performed well overseas but did so against competition slightly below SEC standards.
Nevertheless, Rtail’s unique blend of age, experience, and eligibility makes him an intriguing piece of Arkansas’ roster puzzle moving forward. Unlike many international players who enter U.S. programs with limited time left, Rtail will have up to four full years of eligibility, offering him plenty of time to develop within Calipari’s system.
With Thiero heading to the pros, Knox potentially poised for stardom, and Rtail joining the mix, Arkansas basketball continues to embrace a fluid roster approach under John Calipari—blending veteran leadership, blue-chip talent, and international promise as it eyes future success.
