The 2025 NBA Draft Combine is underway in Chicago, and with it comes a defining opportunity for three Arkansas Razorbacks. Guards Adou Thiero and Boogie Fland, along with forward Karter Knox, are among the select prospects invited to this year’s event, which serves as both a showcase for NBA scouts and a final checkpoint before players must decide whether to remain in the draft or return to college.
Arkansas Razorbacks forward Adou Thiero (3) celebrates after making a basket during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Mixed Commitments, Singular Focus
Adou Thiero and Boogie Fland declared for the NBA Draft in early April without publicly retaining college eligibility. Fland later entered the NCAA transfer portal, signaling an openness to return to college basketball, not necessarily at Arkansas. With former Kentucky coach John Calipari at the helm in Fayetteville and a stacked backcourt incoming, Fland’s future with the Razorbacks appears unlikely, regardless of his draft outcome.
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Both players are on the radar of NBA scouts, with early second-round projections in some mock drafts. Their performances at the combine could solidify that status or push them further up draft boards, especially as teams weigh long-term potential against immediate readiness.
Jan 11, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Boogie Fland (2) dribbles during the first half against the Florida Gators at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
Karter Knox: Swing Player for Arkansas
Karter Knox enters the combine in a more fluid position. The 6-foot-6 wing declared for the draft while maintaining college eligibility, allowing him to return to school if his stock doesn’t meet expectations. His draft projections vary widely, ranging from early second round to undrafted, highlighting just how consequential this week in Chicago could be.
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Knox’s freshman campaign was a gradual climb. He finished the season averaging 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game, with shooting splits of 46.2% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc. His upward trajectory was evident in the final stretch of the season, where he averaged 11.5 points per game over the last 10 contests. A standout performance came in the Sweet 16 loss to Texas Tech, where he tallied 20 points and went a perfect 4-of-4 from three.
Feb 15, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Karter Knox (11) lays up the ball during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn ImagesMaria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Should Knox choose to return, his presence would be significant for an Arkansas team undergoing major turnover. His experience and scoring potential would complement an otherwise youthful roster.
What Lies Ahead
The deadline for players to withdraw from the NBA Draft and retain their NCAA eligibility is May 28, placing added importance on the combine’s evaluations. For Thiero and Fland, this week could finalize their departure from the college ranks. For Knox, it may serve as the deciding factor in a return that would reshape Arkansas’s 2025 outlook.
As the combine unfolds, the stakes are clear not just for the players pursuing NBA dreams, but for a Razorback program watching closely to see what pieces might still fall into place.
