March Madness is all about unpredictability, and Arkansas is already feeling the impact of that uncertainty before the first tip-off. Star guard Adou Thiero has been one of the Razorbacks’ most critical players this season. He is officially listed as doubtful for the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
Adou Thiero’s Status for the NCAA Tournament Is in Question
With the team looking to make a deep run, losing their leading scorer could significantly impact their chances. However, head coach John Calipari remains focused on the bigger picture, emphasizing the importance of the national championship over any conference tournament setbacks.
Thiero has been absent from the court for the last few weeks due to a knee injury, last playing on February 22 in a victory over Missouri. Before his injury, he was the engine of Arkansas’ offense, averaging a team-high 15.6 points per game. His ability to create shots became even more essential after Boogie Fland was sidelined in mid-January.
Throughout the season, Thiero also contributed significantly in other areas, averaging six rebounds and two assists per game while shooting an impressive 54.8% from the field. His absence is noticeable, and while the Razorbacks have managed to win games without him, the team will want him back as soon as possible.
Despite missing Thiero and Fland, Arkansas found a way to finish the regular season strong, winning four of its last five games. That strong push ensured the team remained in position for an NCAA Tournament bid, with Selection Sunday confirming their place in the bracket.
Still, with March Madness being the most critical part of the season, Arkansas will not want to move forward without their best scorer. The Razorbacks are expected to rely on a next-man-up mentality, but replacing Thiero’s production will not be an easy task.
ADOU THIERO WITH THE EXCLAMATION TO COMPLETE THE 15-POINT COMEBACK WIN‼️
Arkansas takes down Georgia for its first SEC win under John Calipari 🐗 @RazorbackMBB pic.twitter.com/di4jPAtJCK
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) January 23, 2025
CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein was among the first to report Thiero’s status, citing John Calipari as the source. Rothstein noted that Thiero remains doubtful for the first-round matchup, reinforcing the idea that Arkansas will need to prepare for its opening game without him. If he does sit out, it will mark his fifth consecutive missed game.
John Calipari’s take on the tournament and Thiero’s importance
Calipari, never one to shy away from bold statements, made it clear that his primary focus has never been the SEC Tournament but rather the ultimate prize: a national championship.
“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.”
While that attitude may raise eyebrows, it underscores Calipari’s long-term vision for his teams. He has always valued making deep runs in March over securing conference tournament trophies. In that sense, keeping Thiero out for the opening rounds—if it ensures his health for later games—might be a strategic move.
Thiero’s impact on the court is undeniable, and current Kentucky head coach Mark Pope highlighted just how dominant he has been this season.
“He’s a monster. Like he’s playing elite-level basketball and he’s just devastating physically,” Pope said.
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“He’s playing with such an incredible intensity, and motor, and physicality. He’s great downhill. Great at getting to the rim. He’s actually pretty functional in mid-range. He really guards. He’s a one-through-five defensive player.”
“In some ways, BBN knows him better than I do. But he’s putting together a really, really special season and he’s a handful for sure. There’s no easy answers with him.”
If Thiero is unavailable for the first two rounds, Arkansas will have to rely on a collective effort to fill the void. With or without Thiero, they will need to be at their best to advance deep into the tournament. As fans eagerly await updates on Thiero’s status, one thing is certain—Arkansas faces a challenging path ahead.
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