John Calipari may have just added a very interesting player to his team. His name is Paulo Semedo, and he’s already being compared to Trevon Brazile. Standing at 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, the “African Wemby” is turning heads because of his size and talent. He also brings some great basketball skills that are getting a lot of attention.
Experts say he reminds them a lot of Brazile from Arkansas. The Fox Sports Radio host Aaron Torres recently explained why Semedo could be the next big star in Fayetteville and might even follow in Brazile’s footsteps.
Paulo Semedo’s Arrival at Arkansas Could Mirror Trevon Brazile’s Rise
Semedo is now officially a part of Calipari’s roster. The 7-foot-1 center from Angola committed to the team on June 13. His size, talent, and timing make him one of the most exciting new players in Calipari’s rebuilt frontcourt.
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
Right after his commitment, people started comparing him to other talented players. College basketball insider Torres also shared his thoughts on Semedo’s skills. He pointed out how the “African Wemby” reminds him of another talented big man.
“The seven-foot kid that maybe doesn’t really have the coordination and he’s kind of more of a defense energy whatever, this kid feels like he can handle a little bit, he can shoot a little bit, he can do a little bit of everything,” Torres said. “Okay, you know what he actually reminds me of in a lot of ways, you know the player he reminds me of? He actually reminds me of Trevon Brazile currently at Arkansas.”
However, Torres made it clear that Semedo might not become a star right away. But he believes that if he keeps working hard, he could become a major part of the team. “That’s kind of who I think Paulo Semedo is going to be, you know, if he trusts the process and stays in the program,” he added.
He further explained, “If he continues to develop, if he’s on the trajectory, I could see him being a very important piece this year and then potentially taking over for Trevon Brazile next year. Trevon Brazile, Nick Pringle, and Malique Ewin are all returning to the frontcourt for the 2025-26 season, providing a deep and experienced group.”
Semedo is a four-star recruit and one of the top high school players in the country. ESPN ranks him as the No. 50 player in the nation. Before coming to the U.S., he played in Spain for Zentro Madrid. He later moved to Florida and joined West Oaks Academy, where he kept improving his skills. Now, he’s ready for the next chapter with the Razorbacks.
Meanwhile, Brazile, the big man Semedo is being compared to, has become a key figure in Arkansas’s system. The 6-foot-10 forward averaged 6.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game last season. His strong presence helped lead the Razorbacks’ frontcourt.
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This season, Semedo will be competing for playing time in a talented frontcourt. With continued development, Semedo could be in line to take on a major role in 2026 and beyond, following in the footsteps of Arkansas’s veteran big men.