Arkansas forward Adou Thiero is doubtful to play in the Razorbacks’ first-round game of the NCAA Tournament, according to a report from Jon Rothstein. The news comes as a significant blow to Arkansas, as Thiero has played a pivotal role in the team’s resurgence this season.
Arkansas' Adou Thiero (knee) is doubtful for the Razorbacks' first NCAA Tournament game this week, per John Calipari.
Has not played since 2/22.
Averages 15.6 PPG and 6.0 RPG.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 16, 2025
The 6-foot-8, 225-pound forward has been a revelation for the Razorbacks, averaging 16 points and six rebounds per game after transferring from Kentucky. His emergence helped Arkansas recover from an 0-5 start in SEC play and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Without Thiero, Arkansas will need to adjust quickly to compensate for his absence in one of the most critical games of the season.
Thiero’s Injury and Impact on Arkansas
Thiero suffered a hyperextended left knee in Arkansas’ 92-85 win over Missouri on Feb. 22. Despite scoring 11 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out four assists in that game, it was evident that he was struggling with the injury, particularly in the second half. During a media timeout in the second half, Thiero was seen having difficulty even joining his team in the huddle.
Before Arkansas’ Feb. 26 matchup against Texas, the team’s official X account provided an update on Thiero’s status, stating that surgery was not expected but there was no clear timetable for his return. Now, as the NCAA Tournament approaches, his availability remains in doubt, leaving a significant gap in Arkansas’ rotation.
Calipari’s Perspective on the Tournament
Thiero transferred from Kentucky to Arkansas, following his former coach John Calipari, who has always emphasized that the NCAA Tournament is the ultimate goal in college basketball. Calipari has been vocal about prioritizing March Madness over conference tournaments.
“I don’t care about the conference tournament,” Calipari said. “Which is why we won it so many times because I could care less. The tournament that matters is the NCAA Tournament.”
Thiero’s presence would have been a major asset for Arkansas as they try to make a deep run, but without him, the Razorbacks will have to rely on their depth and resilience to overcome this setback.
Thiero’s Physicality and Versatility Will Be Missed
Thiero’s game is built on intensity, motor, and physicality. Current Kentucky head coach Mark Pope praised his ability to impact the game on both ends earlier this season. “He’s a monster. Like, he’s playing elite-level basketball and he’s just devastating physically,” Pope said.
“He’s playing with such an incredible intensity, and motor, and physicality. He’s great downhill. Great at getting to the rim. He’s pretty functional in mid-range. He guards. He’s a one-through-five defensive player.” Without Thiero’s defensive versatility and scoring presence, Arkansas faces an uphill battle in the first round.
The Razorbacks will need other players to step up in his absence as they fight to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive.
Whether or not Thiero can return later in the tournament remains uncertain, but his absence in the opening round could have a major impact on Arkansas’ postseason aspirations.
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