First Round Passes, But Adou Thiero’s NBA Journey Is Just Beginning — Could the Razorbacks Star Be the Hidden Gem of This Year’s Draft?
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft has come and gone, and while some names went as expected and a few surprises stole the spotlight, one name noticeably absent from the commissioner’s podium was Adou Thiero.
But make no mistake — the story is far from over.
The Arkansas Razorbacks forward may not have heard his name called in the top 30 picks, but scouts, executives, and fans alike believe Thiero could still be one of the biggest steals of this year’s draft — a potential hidden gem waiting for the right opportunity.
Thiero’s Resume: More Than Meets the Eye
At 6-foot-8 and 220 pounds, Thiero brings size, versatility, and athleticism that many NBA teams crave. In his lone season with Arkansas, he led the Razorbacks in both scoring and rebounding, averaging 15.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, while showcasing flashes of elite defensive instincts with 1.6 steals per contest.
What makes Thiero even more intriguing is his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His defensive versatility, high motor, and two-way potential have drawn comparisons to several established NBA role players — with some scouts believing his ceiling is even higher.
The Injury Setback — And the Comeback
Thiero’s draft stock took a hit late in the season when he missed eight of Arkansas’ final nine games due to a hyperextended left knee. Despite the setback, he has reportedly been recovering well, with pre-draft workouts showing improved mobility and continued defensive prowess.
NBA insiders have pointed out that without the injury concerns, Thiero likely would have been in the late first-round conversation.
“Teams love his size, his motor, and his defensive instincts,” one NBA scout told WholeHogSports. “The shot still needs work, but the tools are there. If he falls to the second round, someone is getting a serious value pick.”
Shooting Concerns — But Plenty of Upside
The biggest knock on Thiero remains his perimeter shooting. While he shot an efficient 54.5% from the field, his range and consistency beyond the arc remain areas for development. His 68.8% free-throw shooting also leaves room for improvement, but many scouts believe those mechanical issues can be refined with NBA-level coaching and repetition.
In today’s NBA, where player development programs are more advanced than ever, prospects like Thiero — who possess the physical tools but need skill refinement — often blossom into productive, reliable contributors.
Second Round Opportunity: The Pressure’s Off, The Motivation’s On
As the second round looms, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, all eyes will be on Thiero and where he lands.
The second round often produces hidden gems — from Draymond Green to Jalen Brunson — and Thiero’s mix of size, defense, and untapped offensive potential make him a prime candidate to follow that same trajectory.
More importantly, the chip on his shoulder just got bigger.
