🌍 International Talent Joins the Razorbacks
Arkansas has secured a commitment from Paulo Semedo, a 7-foot-1 (likely 7’2″) center from Angola who ranks No. 50 nationally in ESPN’s class of 2025 . Semedo brings an impressive 7-foot-5 wingspan and exceptional versatility to Fayetteville, capable of protecting the rim and stretching the floor .
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🏀 From Angola to Orlando Prep
Background & Arrival
Before arriving in the U.S. in September 2023, Semedo played professionally in Spain with Zentro C.B., gaining valuable exposure . Since joining West Oaks Academy in Orlando, he has flourished as a two-way big man .
Skill Set & Role
At West Oaks, Semedo developed a rare blend of size and skill. Coaches praise his ability to guard in pick-and-roll situations, block shots, and score both inside and with dribble pull-ups . His transition play—including leading fast breaks—along with solid low-post scoring on either hand, rounds out his offensive game .
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📈 Fit within Calipari’s Frontcourt Vision
Head coach John Calipari’s Arkansas roster has been aggressively bolstered this offseason, particularly in the frontcourt. The Razorbacks struggled on the boards last season in key games, allowing opponents to dominate offensive rebounds . With Semedo’s length and timing, Arkansas aims to close that specific gap.
Arkansas has already added other big men—Bosnian center Elmir Dzafic, along with Karim Rtail, Nick Pringle, and Malique Ewin—making Semedo’s commitment the seventh for the 2025 class . The recruiting haul ranks No. 1 in the SEC and No. 6 nationally .
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🎓 Choosing Arkansas
Semedo selected Arkansas over offers from Arizona State, Florida State, and Miami . His decision to join Coach Calipari is grounded in the opportunity to develop within a competitive SEC program that now boasts a well-stocked frontcourt and a strong support system for his growth as a modern big man.
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🔍 ESPN Profile & Rankings
Per ESPN, Semedo carries an “85” scout grade and is ranked No. 50 in the national 2025 class. He ranks No. 6 at his position and No. 10 among players from the Sunshine State .
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🧭 Why It Matters for Arkansas
Securing an international, high-upside prospect like Semedo reflects Calipari’s growing global recruiting footprint. It also addresses clear frontcourt deficiencies—on both the defensive glass and shot-blocking—exposed in last season’s NCAA Tournament run .
With his physical toolset, athleticism, and burgeoning skill set, Semedo represents a well-rounded ride-or-die big man. His growth trajectory—trained in the American prep system yet seasoned in European play—gives Arkansas another high-ceiling piece they can develop in-house.
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📝 Final Take
Paulo Semedo’s commitment marks a strategic and promising addition to Arkansas’s roster. As a 7′1″ Angolan big with a 7′5″ wingspan, he fills a long-standing need in the Razorbacks’ frontcourt. Equally important is his skill versatility—an elite shot-blocker, rim runner, and dribble-pull-up threat.
For Coach Calipari, who’s building a dominant SEC presence, Semedo ties together international recruiting success with tactical roster construction tailored to mitigate last season’s weaknesses. Expect Semedo to be a significant factor at both ends of the court as Arkansas targets competitive relevance in the 2025-26 season.
