Arkansas landed 7’1″ center Paulo Semedo, a native of Angola, as part of John Calipari’s 2025 recruiting haul. Though ESPN ranks him No. 50 nationally with a four-star grade, Semedo remains overlooked by several major recruiting outlets. His status positions him as a strong candidate for the most underrated big man in the class.
Semedo is the fourth freshman from the high school level to commit to Arkansas, joining two five-star guards, Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas, along with four-star wing Isaiah Sealy. All four are ranked among the top 70 prospects nationally.
Arkansas Lands Overlooked 7-Footer Paulo Semedo in Loaded 2025 Class
Semedo, ranked No. 50 nationally by ESPN and rated a four-star prospect, continues to fly under the radar despite a strong skill set and physical tools that project well at the high-major level.
Semedo, who played his senior year at West Oaks Academy College Prep in Orlando, Florida, recently visited Arkansas before making his decision. He chose the Razorbacks over offers from Florida State, Miami, and Arizona State.
NEWS: Angolan big man Paulo Semedo, ESPN’s No. 50 prospect in the 2025 class, has committed to Arkansas, agent Sam Permut told ESPN.
The 7’1, 19-year-old PF/C brings a 7’5 wingspan, skill, upside, and depth to John Calipari’s frontcourt. pic.twitter.com/YOiLv5v9Of
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 13, 2025
“Angolan big man Paulo Semedo, ESPN’s No. 50 prospect in the 2025 class, has committed to Arkansas, agent Sam Permut told ESPN. The 7’1″, 19-year-old PF/C brings a 7’5″ wingspan, skill, upside, and depth to John Calipari’s frontcourt,” according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.
“Really intriguing (prospect). Mobile for his size. Dad played professionally in Angola on one of their best clubs. Mom was a pro volleyball player,” a source told Hogville.
The same source confirmed Semedo’s background includes time with Zentro Madrid in Spain.
Semedo’s game includes more than just interior presence. His ability to handle the ball and shoot from the perimeter makes him a modern big.
The commitment comes a day after Arkansas added Elmir Dzafic, a 6’11” center from Bosnia. Semedo joins a frontcourt rotation that now features multiple players at 6’10” or taller, including Dzafic, Trevon Brazile, Malique Ewin, Nick Pringle, and Karim Rtail.
Fan reactions quickly followed the announcement.
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“When the hell did Cal sneak this tall dude on campus to take a commitment pic???” one asked.
“Cal went and got the second coming of Wemby just for fun wow,” another joked.
Semedo, who signed with Roc Nation Sports for NIL representation on Feb. 6, becomes the sixth freshman added to Arkansas’ 2025-26 roster, joining a class headlined by five-stars Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas.
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