Razorbacks Ready to Shine: Adou, Boogie, and Karter Set for NBA Draft Combine in Chicago!
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The stage is set, and the spotlight is bright in Chicago as three former Arkansas Razorbacks — Adou Thiero, Boogie Ellis, and Karter Knox — prepare to showcase their talents at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, which tips off this week in front of scouts, general managers, and executives from all 30 NBA teams.
With dreams of hearing their names called in June’s NBA Draft, the trio of Razorbacks enters the Combine looking to prove they’re not just college standouts — but ready-made pros.
Adou Thiero: The Versatile Force
After a breakout season with the Hogs, Adou Thiero comes into the Combine with momentum. Standing at 6-foot-8 with a wingspan that stretches the floor, Thiero impressed in his final collegiate season with his defensive versatility, improved shot-making, and basketball IQ.
Known for his ability to guard multiple positions and his relentless motor, Thiero is widely considered a high-upside prospect whose stock has risen steadily in pre-draft evaluations.
“Adou has the tools you can’t teach — length, instincts, and toughness,” one scout noted. “If he shows consistent shooting mechanics and playmaking reads at the Combine, he’ll earn serious second-round or even late first-round looks.”
Boogie Ellis: The Veteran Scorer
Though new to the Arkansas program this past season, Boogie Ellis brought leadership and scoring pedigree that instantly translated on the court. The fifth-year guard — a transfer from USC — averaged double figures and brought poise to the Razorbacks’ backcourt.
Now, he arrives in Chicago with a chance to prove that his maturity, three-point shooting, and clutch gene can translate at the next level. At 6-foot-3, Ellis will need to show defensive engagement and playmaking to solidify his status as a capable NBA combo guard.
“Boogie’s a bucket-getter,” said an NBA scout. “The question is — can he be more than that? This week is where he can answer that.”
Karter Knox: The High-Ceiling Freshman
Arguably the biggest wildcard of the group, Karter Knox enters the Combine as a one-and-done freshman with tantalizing potential. The younger brother of NBA forward Kevin Knox, Karter arrived in Fayetteville with five-star expectations and showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season.
At 6-foot-6 with elite athleticism and a silky shooting stroke, Knox’s upside is undeniable. What teams want to see now is consistency, especially on the defensive end and in playmaking decisions.
If he performs well in scrimmages and testing, Knox could easily climb into lottery territory.
“This is a big opportunity for Karter,” ESPN analyst Jonathan Givony said. “He’s got NBA bloodlines, he’s got the physical tools — now it’s about putting it all together under the microscope.”
A Statement Week for the Program
The presence of three Razorbacks at the NBA Combine speaks volumes about the continued elevation of Arkansas as a basketball powerhouse. Under former head coach Eric Musselman and the current direction of John Calipari, the program has become a consistent pipeline to the pros.
This week in Chicago, Thiero, Ellis, and Knox aren’t just representing themselves — they’re representing the entire Razorback nation and the standard of excellence expected from those who wear the cardinal and white.
Looking Ahead
The Combine runs through May 19, featuring strength and agility testing, team interviews, shooting drills, and full five-on-five scrimmages. NBA teams will use this week to finalize draft boards ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft on June 26.
For Adou, Boogie, and Karter, it’s more than just another week of basketball. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime — and a chance to turn college dreams into NBA reality.
Razorback fans across the country will be watching, cheering, and hoping to see three more Arkansas names called on draft night.
