Jumping ship to join the Arkansas Razorbacks, former Tennessee basketball forward Jonas Aidoo has officially taken his talents southwest. Arkansas confirmed the addition on Monday night, as the 6-foot-11 standout looks to impact the Razorbacks with his previous All-SEC season averaging 11.4 points and 7.3 rebounds, and a third-ranked 66 blocked shots in conference play, according to Knox News.
Having dipped his toes in the NBA Draft waters while keeping his NCAA eligibility intact, Aidoo's pivot to the Hogs came after reported interests from other heavy hitters including Baylor, Alabama, and Kentucky, per 247Sports. While the SEC's 2024-25 schedule is pending, fans are already buzzing about the potential on-court drama when Arkansas and Tennessee clash, especially with John Calipari, former Kentucky coach and new Arkansas leader, being no stranger to Aidoo's prowess.
Aidoo's departure from Tennessee seemingly left Volunteers coach Rick Barnes hanging, despite earlier assurances that everything was "fine." "Yeah because he had told everybody he was fine," Barnes lamented, highlighting the unpredictability the transfer portal brings to the college basketball landscape, in statements obtained by 247Sports.
Over the gates from Tennessee, Aidoo wasn't alone as one of four Vols to seek greener pastures via the transfer portal. His collegiate career, including an impressive sophomore season with an average of 5.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and being Tennessee's top offensive rebounder, hasn't gone unnoticed and has followed an official visit, Arkansas snagged the commitment, as reported by Whole Hog Sports. Calipari nabbed the star, with Aidoo being the fifth addition and the first without a Kentucky tie since his arrival in Fayetteville.
With a transfer as significant as this, Barnes's loss seems to be Calipari's gain. Aidoo's track record speaks volumes—All-SEC Second Team, All-SEC Defense Team honors, and a team-leading rebounder and second-leading scorer for the Vols. His 60 blocks, 1.94 per game, and shooting percentages were among the SEC's best, as per 247Sports insight.
