Adou Thiero injury update: Arkansas basketball forward will not play against Texas

Posted by author February 26, 2025 Basketball

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FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas basketball will be without leading scorer and rebounder Adou Thiero against Texas, according to the SEC Availability Report released Tuesday night.

The Razorbacks (16-11, 5-9 SEC) face the Longhorns (16-11, 5-9) Wednesday night (8 p.m., ESPN2) in a critical game for both teams hopes of making the NCAA Tournament. In recent days, John Calipari confirmed Thiero has been dealing with a back injury.

Thiero had 11 points, five rebounds and four assists in Saturday’s win over Missouri, but he appeared to be fighting through the injury throughout the game and especially in the second half. During the first media timeout after halftime, Thiero struggled to even join his team in a huddle on the bench.

He finally limped off the court and did not return with 6:17 remaining.

Thiero leads the Razorbacks in points (15.6), rebounds (6) and free-throw attempts (6.7) per game. He has scored at least 10 points in all but two SEC games this season.

If Thiero does have to miss time, Trevon Brazile is the obvious replacement, but the junior forward has been struggling on both ends in recent weeks. The last time Brazile scored more than five points was a win over Georgia on Jan. 22, and he hasn’t made a 3-pointer since the Hogs’ victory against Kentucky on Feb. 1.

Other options to replace Thiero’s minutes are Jonas Aidoo and Billy Richmond III. Aidoo would bring size and interior defense while sacrificing speed. Richmond would be an intriguing option in a small-ball lineup, but Arkansas would risk a disadvantage on the defensive boards with him or Karter Knox playing the four.

Knox was also listed on the SEC Availability Report, but the true freshman is listed as probable.

Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@gannett.com or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter.