Adou Thiero’s journey from high school standout to NBA draft pick has officially come full circle. On Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers selected the Arkansas Razorbacks junior with the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, giving the 6-foot-8 forward a golden opportunity to begin his professional career in purple and gold.
Thiero averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 27 games for Arkansas last season, helping the Razorbacks reach the Sweet Sixteen. It was a breakout year for the junior, who transferred from Kentucky and blossomed under head coach John Calipari.
John Calipari Believes Lakers Got a Steal in Adou Thiero
Calipari, who coached Thiero for two seasons at Kentucky before bringing him to Arkansas, has long been vocal about his belief in the junior forward. After the Lakers drafted Thiero, Calipari took to social media to praise the pick and remind people not to judge the player by where he was selected.
“I’m so proud of how far Adou has come from a 5’11 9th grader to becoming an NBA player. Incredible journey. Forget what round he is drafted in he is a player they will look at and go ‘how did he get drafted there that was a steal,'” he tweeted.
Calipari followed that up with another message about Thiero’s potential at the next level.
“We have had guys go in the second round or even undrafted that go on to have a great NBA career! He has what it takes mentally and physically to succeed in the NBA. Go do it Adou!”
I’m so proud of how far Adou has come from a 5’11 9th grader to becoming an NBA player. Incredible journey. Forget what round he is drafted in he is a player they will look at and go “how did he get drafted there that was a steal”
We have had guys go in the second round or even…
— John Calipari (@CoachCalArk) June 27, 2025
Calipari’s belief in Thiero is not just emotional support. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show leading up to the draft, the 66-year-old coach explained why he saw first-round talent in the Arkansas forward.
“Adou Thiero is a first-round draft pick and I’m going to tell you why. I love the physicalness of the league right now. I love it because you got to work to get a basket. It ain’t H.O.R.S.E. anymore.
“… Adou can play in a physical game and, athletically, be in the top 1%. He’s somebody if you pass on, they’ll look back and say, ‘How many people passed on him?'”
“I wouldn’t miss on Adou Thiero in this draft..
He can play in a physical game and athletically he’s in that one percent..
He’s that good and he’s a good kid” @CoachCalArk #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/coqTKGddkx
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 19, 2025
Thiero’s Remarkable Transformation
Thiero’s development from a role player at Kentucky to Arkansas’s leading scorer speaks volumes about his work ethic and potential. His jump from averaging 7.2 points per game in his sophomore year at Kentucky to a 15.1-point scorer at Arkansas represents one of the most significant improvements in college basketball.
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The forward shot an impressive 54.5% from the field at Arkansas while making 26 starts for the Razorbacks. A knee injury late in the season cut his campaign short, but not before he had established himself as one of the most improved players in the SEC.
Former teammate Boogie Fland, who has since transferred to Florida, was among those celebrating Thiero’s achievement. The basketball community around Arkansas has rallied behind the forward as he takes the next step in his basketball journey.
Now officially in the NBA, Thiero will aim to prove Calipari right. The Lakers, who traded up to acquire him, may have just found themselves a hidden gem with significant upside and the physical tools to succeed at the professional level.
