ESPN VERIFIED: Arkansas Razorback Rising Star Jonas Aidoo Makes History by Claiming the Coveted 2025 Hart Nick Smith Jr Trophy, Honoring Him As the Nation’s Top Collegiate NBA Player
Fayetteville, Ark. — — In a groundbreaking moment for Arkansas Razorbacks basketball, junior forward Jonas Aidoo has etched his name into college basketball history by earning the 2025 Hart Nick Smith Jr Trophy, presented annually to the nation’s top collegiate NBA prospect. The honor, verified by ESPN, recognizes Aidoo’s sensational season in which he not only elevated his game but led a new-look Razorbacks squad under head coach John Calipari to national prominence.
Aidoo becomes the first Razorback to ever claim the prestigious trophy named after former Arkansas standout Nick Smith Jr, who blazed the trail for elite prospects transitioning to the NBA. The award, created to honor the legacy of Smith’s contributions to both college and pro basketball, is presented to the collegiate player whose performance, leadership, and pro-readiness dominate the national landscape. Aidoo’s blend of size, skill, and poise under pressure proved to be exactly that.
“This means everything to me,” Aidoo said during his acceptance speech. “To win an award that bears the name of Nick Smith Jr., someone who paved the way for players like me to dream big, it’s surreal. I just wanted to help bring pride to Arkansas basketball, and to be honored like this is a blessing.”
Stellar Season Cemented His Legacy
Aidoo’s numbers this season were nothing short of elite. Averaging 19.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting 58% from the field, the 6’11” forward dominated both ends of the floor and became the linchpin of Calipari’s interior attack. His improved footwork, consistent mid-range shot, and defensive versatility made him one of the most complete big men in the country — and a favorite among NBA scouts.
“He’s got it all,” said ESPN NBA Draft Analyst Jonathan Givony. “Footwork, fluidity, instinct — Jonas Aidoo is a top-five pick waiting to happen. But what’s more impressive is how he embraced leadership this year. That’s why he’s walking away with the Hart Nick Smith Jr Trophy.”
The award was determined by a panel of NBA scouts, former college stars, and national media members. They praised Aidoo’s work ethic, his clutch performances throughout SEC play, and his ability to impact the game without needing the spotlight. His performances against top competition — including a 28-point, 13-rebound clinic against Kentucky and a 7-block masterpiece in the Sweet 16 — helped secure his position as the premier pro-ready talent in the country.
Symbol of a New Era in Fayetteville
Aidoo’s historic win also marks a new chapter for Razorback basketball. With the arrival of John Calipari this past offseason, expectations were sky-high for the program. Calipari, a proven NBA talent developer, quickly molded Aidoo into the centerpiece of Arkansas’ system. The partnership paid off in ways few could have predicted.
“Coach Cal changed my mentality,” Aidoo shared. “He told me from Day 1, ‘You’re going to be special, but you’ve got to believe it before anyone else does.’ That lit a fire in me.”
Calipari himself called Aidoo’s achievement one of the proudest moments of his coaching career.
“Jonas is what every coach dreams of,” Calipari said. “He listens, he learns, and he leads. This award isn’t just for what he’s done, but for the example he sets for every player that walks through these doors. Razorback Nation has a true star.”
Aidoo Adds to a Growing Trophy Case
In addition to the Hart Nick Smith Jr Trophy, Aidoo also received the Karl Malone Award for best power forward and was named a consensus First-Team All-American. He was a finalist for the Naismith Trophy and Wooden Award, solidifying his place among the elite.
His play was instrumental in guiding Arkansas to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight, their deepest run since 2021. Though they ultimately fell short of a Final Four berth, Aidoo’s performance during March Madness — where he averaged 21 points and 11 rebounds per game — was nothing short of heroic.
NBA Draft Buzz Soars
With the NBA Draft approaching, Aidoo’s stock is soaring. Once projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick, he’s now considered a lock for the top five, with several executives reportedly eyeing him as high as No. 2 overall. His ability to stretch the floor, protect the rim, and read the game at a pro level has drawn comparisons to elite big men like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Bam Adebayo.
“Jonas is ready,” said one anonymous NBA GM. “He’s mature, he’s coachable, and he’s already playing with a professional pace. Whoever drafts him is getting a cornerstone.”
While Aidoo has not formally declared for the draft, sources close to the program say an announcement is expected soon. If and when he does declare, it will cap off a transformative year not just for him, but for Arkansas basketball as a whole.
Legacy Secured
With his name now immortalized alongside Nick Smith Jr., Aidoo has cemented himself as one of the most impactful players in program history. His blend of humility, dominance, and leadership resonated far beyond the box score.
“This isn’t just for me,” Aidoo said. “It’s for my teammates, for Coach Cal, and for every kid in Arkansas who dares to dream big. Razorback Nation — we did this together.”
As the red and white confetti settled at the trophy ceremony and fans cheered across Bud Walton Arena, one thing was clear: Jonas Aidoo didn’t just win an award. He changed the game for Arkansas basketball, and perhaps, for the future of the college-to-NBA pipeline.
