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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas may have one of the tallest and longest basketball rosters in college basketball next season.
One year after having an offensive-driven roster at all five positions, coach John Calipari has put together a team with exceptional length.
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Last season’s Elite Eight and Final Four teams shared one common trait beyond star power. They overwhelmed opponents with size, length and frontcourt depth.
Those teams like Michigan, UConn, Illinois and Arizona ran 6-foot-8 or taller players onto the floor without having to sacrifice athleticism or defensive versatility.
And for that reason, Calipari appears to have taken notice and wants to get in on the championship discussion.
Georgia Bulldogs guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (5) reacts after making a three point shot against the Arkansas. | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
There’s a possiblity that the Razorbacks’ shortest player is shooting guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (6-foot-1, 185 pounds), but has a vertical of 45 inches.
The Razorbacks’ star of the 2025 class is point guard Jordan Smith, Jr. at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, he brings exceptional length to the floor with a 6-foot-9 wingspan. He arrives to Arkansas ranked No. 2 overall player in the 2026 class and is joined by fellow 5-star guards JJ Andrews (6-foot-6, 220 pounds), and Abdou Toure (6-foot-6.5, 206 pounds).
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Each one in Arkansas’ trio of guards were awarded Gatorade Player of the Year in their homestate, respectively.
At the wing, Billy Richmond III (6-foot-5.75, 195 pounds) was a pleasant surprise as an offensive contributor last season. Known for his standout defense, the Memphis native emerged as a go-to scoring option when he was placed in a permanent starting role as a sophomore.
His midseason surge saw him average 15 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block per game while making 57% from the field, 27% from three and a team-best 81% at the free throw line.
Arkansas Razorbacks wing Billy Richmond III celebrates after a play…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/john-calipari-quietly-built-one-201323588.html
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Publish date : 2026-06-28 20:13:00
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