Former Kentucky and Arkansas forward Adou Thiero is officially headed to the NBA. The 6’7″ wing has chosen to forgo his senior season and stay in the 2025 NBA Draft, closing out a unique three-year college career that began at Kentucky and ended with a single, productive season at Arkansas.
Now, with several prospects in his draft range opting to return to school, Thiero’s decision to stay in the draft positions him as a late first- or early second-round candidate with strong physical tools and defensive upside.
Insider Believes Adou Thiero Must Round Out His Game To Avoid Predictability in the NBA
While many scouts have been intrigued by Thiero’s build, athleticism, and defensive versatility, one college basketball analyst is urging NBA teams not to overlook the areas of his game that still need work.
Appearing on Hog Hoops Report, Arkansas expert Kevin McPherson joined host Jacob Morris to assess Thiero’s NBA potential. McPherson acknowledged the wing’s strong physical profile—describing him as “built like a freight train”—and credited his ability to defend multiple positions and excel in transition.
But McPherson also made it clear that Thiero’s offensive game needs refinement if he hopes to succeed at the next level.
“Bully ball is one thing at the high-major level,” McPherson said. “It’s harder to be a bully-ball specialist at the next level. You need to add some stuff to that so you’re not so predictable.”
He emphasized that developing a more versatile offensive skill set is essential for Thiero.
“That’s the challenge for him—just adding more skill,” McPherson said. “At minimum, being a catch-and-shoot guy, one-dribble pull-up from three off the creativity of others.”
McPherson further added that Thiero is likely to serve as a supporting piece on the offensive end, suggesting that NBA teams should view him more as a role player rather than a primary scoring option right now.
Thiero transferred to Fayetteville alongside head coach John Calipari in 2024 and averaged a career-best 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 54.5% from the field.
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With the 2025 NBA Draft approaching, McPherson’s comments offer a clear signal to teams evaluating Thiero. The 21-year-old has the tools, but polish will be key.
While his defense and energy may help him break into a rotation, his long-term success will likely hinge on how quickly he can evolve beyond his current offensive limitations.
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