The NCAA’s Early Entry Withdrawal Deadline for the 2024 NBA Draft has come and gone, which means the list of available transfers in the portal is officially finalized.
Arkansas head coach John Calipari has a talented eight-man roster in place with sights set on making one more impact addition.
“We’re at eight right now. We’re ecstatic,” Calipari said. “I’m looking for one more guy and that’s what we’re going to have.
“Is it a shooter? Is it a 4-man that can shoot? Is it a strong, physical… is it a defensive guy?”
While potential targets — such as Washington State’s Jaylen Wells — opted to remain in the draft, several on-the-fence candidates opted for a return to the college game.
Here is a reset look at Arkansas’ priorities and top fits to fill the final slot in its expected rotation:
1. Coleman Hawkins (Illinois) | 6-10, 225, F
A shooter, 4-man and defender… Coleman Hawkins pretty much checks every box Calipari laid out in terms of what he was looking for in his ninth scholarship player. In terms of fit, there is no better option on the board.
Hawkins is coming off a tremendous season at Illinois where he took a massive step towards turning his potential into production, averaging 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting a career-best 36.9% from three and 79.2% from the charity stripe as the Illini advanced to the Elite Eight.
The former Illinois standout will certainly come at a price, and reports have already indicated his NIL market could wind up in Great Osabor territory, but Arkansas is one of the most well-equipped heavy-hitters left in the game at this stage.
It’s fair to call the Razorbacks an early favorite to land the coveted forward, who would put the program in exclusive company as a preseason Final Four contender. As far as the competition is concerned, North Carolina, Kansas State, St. John’s, Miami and Texas are among the schools that could make sense in terms of fit and funds available.
2. Arthur Kaluma (Kansas State) | 6-7, 225, F
Perhaps the best player in the portal nobody is talking about, Arthur Kaluma will quickly become a hot commodity now that he has announced his return to college.
At times, Kaluma can be maddening with his decision-making and tendency to try and do too much on the floor, but his high ceiling is undeniable.
After a pair of solid seasons at Creighton, Kaluma is coming off his best season of college basketball at Kansas State where he set career-highs in points (14.4), rebounds (7.0), assists (2.0), three-point percentage (34.5), three-point makes (51) and free-throw percentage (74.7).
With 100 starts and a half-dozen games of NCAA Tournament experience under his belt, Kaluma profiles as an impact addition for a contender and would slot in well as a 3-4 swing man at Arkansas.
Kaluma does have a history with Calipari and was set to visit Kentucky last offseason before ultimately deciding to transfer to Kansas State. His market is unclear at the moment.
3. Trevon Brazile (Arkansas) | 6-10, 220, F
As dominoes like Egor Demin, Jaylen Wells and others come off the board, the potential for a Trevon Brazile reunion at Arkansas becomes more of a realistic possibility.
On the surface, Brazile seems like a prime candidate for a change of scenery and a fresh start. In truth, he could pretty much get exactly that at Arkansas with an entirely flipped roster and coaching staff.
In terms of fit, Brazile would theoretically fill a hole at the 4, add some needed three-point shooting and has the length and rim-protection to slide down and offer additional depth at the 5.
Brazile should be highly motivated next season as he looks to rebuild his draft stock and show strides in his development in his second season removed from an ACL tear.
His talent alone will make him an attractive option to several high-major programs in the market for a late impact addition, but it’s at least something worth keeping an eye on in Fayetteville.
4. Wooga Poplar (Miami) | 6-5, 197, G
After adding DJ Wagner over the weekend, another high-profile backcourt addition doesn’t seem like it would fall in the “fit” category, but Poplar is the type of player you pursue, add and figure it out afterwards.
A talented guard with Final Four experience, Poplar is coming off his best season at Miami where he set his high-water marks in points (13.1), rebounds (4.8), assists (2.1) and three-point shooting (38.5%).
Villanova has been a perceived favorite for the Philadelphia native, but his first visit will be to Oregon, according to Jon Rothstein. However, reports continue to indicate trips to both Kentucky and Arkansas remain in the works.
A Poplar addition at Arkansas would indicate a shift in philosophy with roster makeup as the Hogs would be put in a position to play more four-guard lineups, but the potential for an exciting and dynamic offense would certainly make things intriguing.
5. Jamir Watkins (Florida State) | 6-7, 210, W
After playing two seasons at VCU, Watkins’ stock soared in a breakout ’23-24 campaign at Florida State where he averaged 15.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game on solid .457/.344/.795 shooting splits.
A big-time two-way wing who is switchable and can float to three different positions, Watkins would be a major late get for any contender and has already been linked to the likes of St. John’s and Michigan.
Interestingly — or unfortunately, depending on which lens one views it from — Watkins could have had his big season at Arkansas. Friends and former teammates of Khalif Battle, the pair visited Fayetteville together last spring and Watkins was believed to be a “silent” commit for a short time.