Calipari Encouraged With Razorbacks’ Depth In The Paint Between Bowser, Ourigou

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas coach John Calipari has a virtually brand new team once again with just two players returning from last year’s roster, so he’s kind of learning on the fly a bit.

That’s one of the more unique things about college athletics these days is bringing in transfers while blending them together with Calipari’s approach of recruiting of top freshman. So far, his blueprint has worked out fine with back-to-back Sweet 16 to begin his tenure.

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One of the question marks that bleeds over from last season is what his post game looks like this season with Furman transfer Cooper Bowser expected to be the starter at center this season.

Bowser played in 25 games this season including 22 starts and missed all of January with a toe injury. The 6-foot-11, 230 pound big man still managed to have a breakout for the Paladins by averaging 14 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one block in 30 minutes per game.

He scored in double-figures in 20 games, making over 77% of his shots and that includes nearly 82% of his shots at the rim, according to CBB Analytics. His efficiency around the rim has Calipari hopeful that the Woodbridge, Va., native can make an instant impact in the SEC.

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“You know what, he’s been out I think three weeks, maybe four, with a hand [injury], Calipari said Wednesday at SEC Media Days. “He’s been doing no contact with us. He’ll start Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday we’ll practice with him. I need him to have an impact.

“He was Defensive Player of the Year because he blocked shots, went after balls, rebounded in traffic. You know you can throw lobs to him. Like, he’ll go get the ball. Want him to be better in short rolls, making those kind of decisions. I like to play through him some as a five man.”

While Bowser’s absence has created uncertainty in Arkansas’ frontcourt, it’s also given the coaching staff a closer look at reclassified freshman Caleb Ourigou, whose physical presence has already caught Calipari’s attention.

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Publish date : 2026-10-15 20:00:00

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