A program that continues to rebuild its roster under new head coach John Calipari, the Arkansas Razorbacks secured a massive commitment Monday night from Jonas Aidoo, a transfer forward from the Tennessee Vols.
One of the top rim protectors in the transfer portal, Aidoo is coming off a breakout 2023-24 season in which he started all 36 games for SEC regular season champion Tennessee, averaging 11.4 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 1.8 BPG. A Second Team All-SEC and SEC All-Defense selection, Aidoo also shot a combined 51.5% from the field, 20% from three, and 62.6% at the free throw line.
A former Top 50 prospect out of high school, Aidoo has spent the entirety of his three-year collegiate career so far at Tennessee, averaging a combined 7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 1.3 BPG. Starting 45-of-90 games, Aidoo is also a career 49.8% shooter from the field, as well as 67.4% at the free throw line.
Looking ahead, Aidoo will likely slide in as Arkansas’ starting center going into year one of the Calipari era, giving the Hogs an elite rim protector. Aidoo should help combine with fellow transfer addition Zvonimir Ivisic to help Arkansas compose one of the biggest frontcourt duos in the entire SEC.
NEWS: Tennessee transfer big man Jonas Aidoo has committed to Arkansas, he confirms to @On3sports.
The 6-11 junior averaged 11.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game this season. First by @MattNorlander. https://t.co/Obkx3aE563 pic.twitter.com/LZHMWPcXRA
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 29, 2024
Yes, Calipari has already landed Ivisic through the portal, as well as some of his former Kentucky commits such as Boogie Fland, Karter Knox, and Billy Richmond.
However, you could make the argument that this is the biggest recruiting win of the Calipari era at Arkansas so far, as it gives the Razorbacks a proven big man down low at the SEC level, and should be elite defensively.