Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Adou Thiero Draft Projection – Where Will Razorbacks Forward Land in the 2025 NBA Draft?

Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Adou Thiero, a 6-foot-8 forward with a 7-foot wingspan, emerged as a dynamic talent during his junior season with the Arkansas Razorbacks in 2024-25. Born in Utah and raised in Leetsdale, Pennsylvania, Thiero starred at Quaker Valley High School, leading in scoring and earning accolades like Pennsylvania Class 4A Player of the Year in 2021-22. A four-star recruit, he committed to coach John Calipari, who had mentored his father, Almamy, in college. Similarly, Thiero’s mother, Mariam, was also an athlete who was selected by the Washington Mystics in the 2006 WNBA Draft.

After quiet seasons at Kentucky, Thiero followed Calipari to Arkansas, where his athleticism and versatility were on full display. His aggressive rebounding, rim-finishing, and defensive prowess, fueled by his length and ability to generate steals and blocks, draw comparisons to the Hawks’ Jalen Johnson. His multi-sport background in soccer and lacrosse showcased his athletic gifts, positioning himself as a high-energy forward with the tools to thrive in small-ball lineups and transition plays.

"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

Adou Thiero’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

Long and athletic combo forward with defensive versatility and good mobility
Excellent in transition
Plays the game with high energy
A 7’0″ wingspan, which could help him in the NBA
Averaged 1.6 steals per game as a forward, with an ability to disrupt passing lanes
Took smart shots mostly and averaged over 50% of shooting
Can take hard contact and still maintain his composure mid-air
Shown flashes of solid playmaking ability, dishing out excellent assists at times
Is arguably the most explosive player in the 2025 NBA Draft

Arkansas wing Adou Thiero is viewed as one of the highest upside swings remaining in Round 2.

Possessing a 7-foot wingspan and 41-inch vertical, Thiero’s physical traits have the attention of many NBA scouts.pic.twitter.com/MEaItD6Eu6
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 26, 2025

Weaknesses

Needs to develop his 3-pt shooting as he shot 25.6% from deep
Is limited as a shot creator
Lacks advanced ball handling and a quick first step
His free throw shooting is also a concern shooting below 70%
Averaged 1.7 turnovers per game, which could be better
Does not have the ability to initiate an offense yet

Adou Thiero’s Stats and Accomplishments

Adou Thiero averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists on 54.4 percent shooting from the field and 25.6 percent from deep. He also averaged 1.6 steals and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting at a 68.6 percent clip from the free throw line.

Adou Thiero’s accomplishments;

4A Player of the Year in High School
WPIAL Player of the Year in High School

Adou Thiero’s Draft Projection

Adou Thiero is projected to be selected as a second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. According to some mock drafts, Thiero could be drafted by the Charlotte Hornets as the 33rd overall pick.

Adou Thiero

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NBA Draft 2025

Eric Divakaran

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.