FAYETTEVILLE — Another big man might be joining Arkansas basketball for the upcoming season.
Caleb Ourigou committed to the Razorbacks on Tuesday, July 14. The 6-foot-10 New York native, who played his most recent season in the Overtime Elite League, is a four-star prospect in the 2027 class. But John Calipari and his staff have been pursuing a reclassification from Ourigou. Arkansas hopes he will become the latest addition to a star-studded recruiting haul in 2026.
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Ourigou took official visits to Kentucky, UConn, BYU and Arkansas. According to the 247Sports Composite, he was the No. 55 ranked player overall and the No. 8 center among 2027 prospects.
If he reclassifies, Ourigou will be the sixth freshman on the Hogs’ 2026-27 roster. He would join other five-star recruits Jordan Smith Jr., Miikka Muurinen, JJ Andrews and Abdou Toure.
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; High Point Panthers forward Terry Anderson (5) drives against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) and forward Billy Richmond III (24) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; High Point Panthers forward Terry Anderson (5) drives against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) and forward Billy Richmond III (24) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) and High Point Panthers forward Cam’ron Fletcher (11) fight for a loose ball in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) drives against High Point Panthers forward Cam’ron Fletcher (11) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; High Point Panthers head coach Flynn Clayman and guard Rob Martin (3) react in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; High Point Panthers head coach Flynn Clayman hugs his wife, Ellen, after winning against the High Point Panthers in a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) shoots against High Point Panthers guard Rob Martin (3) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Billy Richmond III (24) drives against High Point Panthers forward Braden Hausen (15) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) shoots against High Point Panthers forward Cam’ron Fletcher (11) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks cheerleaders in the second half against the High Point Panthers during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) defends High Point Panthers forward Cam’ron Fletcher (11) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) chases a loose ball against High Point Panthers guard Rob Martin (3), forward Cam’ron Fletcher (11) and forward Owen Aquino (8) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball’s Billy Richmond III changes course, will withdraw from NBA Draft
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Billy Richmond III (24) dunks against High Point Panthers guard Rob Martin (3) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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What ESPN’s Jay Bilas said about Sacramento Kings drafting Darius Acuff Jr.
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) shoots against High Point Panthers forward Terry Anderson (5) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) shoots in the second half against the High Point Panthers during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) drives against High Point Panthers guard Rob Martin (3) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) rebounds against High Point Panthers forward Cam’ron Fletcher (11) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari talks to an official in the second half against the High Point Panthers during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Meleek Thomas (1) shoots against High Point Panthers forward Braden Hausen (15) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) drives against High Point Panthers guard Chase Johnston (99) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari in the second half against the High Point Panthers during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks fans in the second half against the High Point Panthers during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Billy Richmond III (24) reacts after a play in the second half against the High Point Panthers during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard D.J. Wagner (21) shoots against High Point Panthers forward Owen Aquino (8) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) reacts after a play in the second half against the High Point Panthers during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Meleek Thomas (1) shoots against High Point Panthers forward Owen Aquino (8) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Meleek Thomas (1) shoots against High Point Panthers forward Terry Anderson (5) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Meleek Thomas (1) shoots against High Point Panthers guard Rob Martin (3) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) shoots against High Point Panthers forward Cam’ron Fletcher (11) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; High Point Panthers guard Rob Martin (3) reacts after a basket in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; High Point Panthers guard Rob Martin (3) shoots against Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari in the first half against the High Point Panthers during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Billy Richmond III (24) shoots against High Point Panthers center Youssouf Singare (24) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari in the first half against the High Point Panthers during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Meleek Thomas (1) drives against High Point Panthers guard Chase Johnston (99) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari in the first half against the High Point Panthers during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) shoots against High Point Panthers guard Rob Martin (3) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard D.J. Wagner (21) rebounds against High Point Panthers center Youssouf Singare (24) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks cheerleaders in the first half against the High Point Panthers during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Meleek Thomas (1) celebrates with forward Malique Ewin (12) after a basket in the first half against the High Point Panthers during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; High Point Panthers center Youssouf Singare (24) and Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) chase a loose ball in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) rebounds in front of forward Trevon Brazile (7) in the first half against the High Point Panthers during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Meleek Thomas (1) shoots against High Point Panthers guard Chase Johnston (99) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; High Point Panthers forward Braden Hausen (15) defends Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Billy Richmond III (24) drives against High Point Panthers forward Braden Hausen (15) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; High Point Panthers head coach Flynn Clayman in the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Billy Richmond III (24) drives against High Point Panthers forward Braden Hausen (15) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball wing Billy Richmond III declares for 2026 NBA Draft
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Billy Richmond III (24) drives in the first half against the High Point Panthers during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; High Point Panthers guard Chase Johnston (99) reacts after a basket in the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Meleek Thomas (1) drives against High Point Panthers guard Scotty Washington (12) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; High Point Panthers forward Braden Hausen (15) dribbles against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) shoots against High Point Panthers forward Owen Aquino (8) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) is fouled by High Point Panthers forward Terry Anderson (5) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; High Point Panthers forward Terry Anderson (5) drives against Arkansas Razorbacks guard Meleek Thomas (1) and forward Malique Ewin (12) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; High Point Panthers forward Owen Aquino (8) defends Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Billy Richmond III (24) drives against High Point Panthers guard Vincent Brady II (2) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball point guard D.J. Wagner to enter transfer portal | Report
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard D.J. Wagner (21) shoots against High Point Panthers center Youssouf Singare (24) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; High Point Panthers forward Cam’ron Fletcher (11) rebounds against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
(Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) rebounds against High Point Panthers center Youssouf Singare (24) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; High Point Panthers forward Cam’ron Fletcher (11) shoots against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; High Point Panthers forward Cam’ron Fletcher (11) drives against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs High Point photos from NCAA tournament game
Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; High Point Panthers guard Vincent Brady II (2) rebounds against Arkansas Razorbacks guard Meleek Thomas (1) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
What Caleb Ourigou brings to Arkansas basketball
Arkansas failed to sign a defensive-minded rim protector out of the transfer portal or in its initial high school recruiting class. Calipari hopes Ourigou can fill that void.
Scouts say Ourigou is a gifted athlete with his height and 215-pound frame. He embraces the physical side of the game and can control space near the basket. The offensive arsenal is still a work-in-progress, but he’s shown a quick first step on the low block and an ability to punish smaller defenders.
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On the other end, he holds up against centers and has good timing with weak-side blocks. Ourigou is a tenacious rebounder, and that’s something Arkansas will desperately need with its current frontcourt composition.
According to 247Sports, Ourigou averaged 12.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and two blocks across four games while playing with the NY Rens during the Nike EYBL Circuit in Memphis earlier this summer. He shot 62.5% from the field.
What it means for Arkansas basketball roster
Assuming the reclassification goes through, Calipari is going back to his roots, relying almost entirely on freshmen for the upcoming season.
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Ourigou joins Miikka Muurinen, Cooper Bowser, Paulo Semedo and Ilia Frolov. Ourigou, Muurinen and Frolov will be true freshmen, while Semedo returns after redshirting during his first collegiate season. Bowser is the only big man with any experience at this level. He transferred to Arkansas from Furman.
Muurinen and Bowser should command playing time, but the rest of the rotation is an unknown. Minutes will be divided depending on who is most-ready among Semedo, Frolov and Ourigou.
Arkansas hopes what it might lack in star power can be made up with depth. The Hogs used a three-man rotation in the frontcourt last season, relying on Trevon Brazile, Malique Ewin and Nick Pringle for heavy minutes. There’s a chance all five of the previously mentioned players could contribute this year.
Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@usatodayco.com or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Four-star big man Caleb Ourigou commits to Arkansas basketball, John Calipari
