Arkansas Basketball’s Transfer Portal Moves Spark Buzz – and Potential Drama
After weeks of waiting, Arkansas basketball fans finally got a reason to cheer as the Razorbacks picked up their first two transfer commitments of the offseason—Nick Pringle from South Carolina and Malique Ewin from Florida State.
Pringle, a 6-foot-10, 220-pound forward, brings SEC experience and a proven track record to the Hogs. He averaged 9.5 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting over 57% from the floor this past season. He also has deep tournament experience, having played a key role in Alabama’s Final Four run in 2024. In fact, he left quite an impression on Arkansas after standout performances against them both with Alabama and South Carolina, including an 18-point, 9-rebound outing in March that surely caught Coach John Calipari’s eye. After once mocking Arkansas’ former coach Eric Musselman, Pringle’s Razorback jersey will mark quite the turnaround.
Ewin, standing 6-foot-11 and weighing 230 pounds, is another impactful addition. The rising senior tallied 14.2 points, 7.6 boards, and nearly a block per game for Florida State. Known for his footwork, inside presence, and passing ability, Ewin brings both polish and potential. After starting at Ole Miss and dominating in JUCO, he emerged as the top junior college prospect last year.
Together, Ewin and Pringle provide Arkansas with a dynamic and physically imposing frontcourt. Pringle adds vertical athleticism and lob-finishing ability, while Ewin offers a polished post game and surprising playmaking skills. But Calipari’s transfer work isn’t done. With top freshman guards Boogie Fland and Nelly Davis gone, and a pair of five-star freshmen (Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas) on the way, Arkansas still needs seasoned help in the backcourt.
So far, things haven’t gone smoothly in that department. The Razorbacks missed out on sharpshooter Lamar Wilkerson, a native Arkansan who picked Indiana over Kentucky after an underwhelming visit to Lexington. Then came another swing and miss, with Jaron Pierre Jr. of Jacksonville State choosing SMU despite listing Arkansas in his final group.
Calipari may now be eyeing a familiar—and controversial—name: Adam Miller. The Arizona State guard has had previous run-ins with Arkansas, particularly during his time at LSU, when he infamously slapped Anthony Black during an inbound play and trolled Razorback fans online after a win. That move and his postgame social media antics left a sour taste for many. But with time, growth, and maturity, things could be different.
Miller, a 6-foot-3 senior, had a strong season in the Big 12, averaging nearly 10 points per game and hitting 42.9% of his threes. He played especially well in high-pressure games, scoring 22 points against Texas Tech and 18 against eventual national champs Florida. Despite not being a high-volume scorer like Wilkerson or Pierre, he faced tougher opponents and proved capable in key moments.
The Illinois native has one year of eligibility left and has played for Illinois, LSU, and Arizona State. While fans might remember his scuffles with Black and others, Miller has since improved statistically and in maturity. His shooting and off-ball movement could fit perfectly into Arkansas’ evolving lineup.
Given Arkansas’ roster construction—with ball-dominant guards like Acuff and DJ Wagner potentially returning, and wing scorers like Thomas and Karter Knox—there’s limited need for another player who thrives with the ball in their hands. That’s where Miller shines. He’s among the elite in catch-and-shoot and spot-up opportunities, ranking in the 98th and 94th percentiles, respectively, this past season. His ability to stretch the floor and play off others could be exactly what Arkansas needs.
On the defensive side, Miller has held his own. His defensive metrics, including a solid 1.22 efficiency rating per EvanMiya, show he’s more than just a shooter. In fact, his rating topped that of Wagner and Billy Richmond, two of Arkansas’ stronger defenders.
While Wilkerson and Pierre may have wanted star roles, they wouldn’t have gotten the same offensive usage at Arkansas, especially given the incoming five-stars and likely returners. Arkansas broadcaster Matt Zimmerman hinted that Calipari’s team may return a larger core group than usual—possibly including Wagner, Knox, Trevon Brazile, and Richmond—along with the freshmen.
If that core does indeed return, Miller becomes the most logical and realistic backcourt addition. He won’t demand the ball, can defend multiple positions, and knows how to thrive in a complementary role. And after previously delivering trash talk at Bud Walton Arena, becoming a Razorback would give him a chance at redemption.
Still, there’s a possibility Miller might be Arkansas’ final transfer addition. Zimmerman believes Calipari will bring in three or four portal players. With Pringle and Ewin already locked in, the number of future additions likely depends on whether Arkansas lands elite forward Nate Ament. If they do, the staff may stop at three transfers. If not, they could go after another top frontcourt player—names like Jamir Watkins and Darrion Williams have been mentioned.
In either case, Miller’s name is one to watch. His past may have made him a villain in Fayetteville, but his present skillset makes him a potentially perfect fit. If Arkansas does bring him in, fans might have to get used to cheering for someone they once loved to hate. And Miller would finally have a chance to bring that “smoke” he once promised—this time, from the home locker room.
