Aidoo Inching Closer Toward the Impact Arkansas Needs
When Arkansas secured the commitment of transfer big man Mouhamed Aidoo in the offseason, there were high expectations for him to provide a significant impact for the Razorbacks on both ends of the floor. After an injury-riddled start to his career in Fayetteville, Aidoo is beginning to show signs of the dominant presence Arkansas had hoped for, especially after his performance in his first start for the team.
Despite a slower-than-expected integration into the team, Aidoo’s development over the past few weeks has shown that he is starting to shake off the rust and get closer to becoming the player Arkansas needs to make a run in the competitive SEC. With his combination of size, athleticism, and defensive capabilities, Aidoo has the potential to be a game-changer, and his performance in the Razorbacks’ latest game could be a sign of things to come.
Aidoo, a 6’10” forward/center, was expected to be a crucial addition to Arkansas’ frontcourt, bringing the ability to protect the rim, finish in the paint, and add rebounding depth. However, his transition to the team has been slower than many anticipated. After missing part of the preseason due to injury, Aidoo struggled to find his rhythm early in the season, which is common for players adjusting to a new program. His conditioning, timing, and overall flow within the system were clearly affected by the time away from the court.
In Arkansas’ opening games, Aidoo’s impact was minimal. While he showed flashes of his potential, his performance was often inconsistent, and the Razorbacks were forced to rely on other players to fill the void in the frontcourt. Aidoo appeared tentative at times, particularly on the offensive end, where he seemed hesitant to assert himself. The Razorbacks, who are known for their fast-paced, up-tempo style of play, struggled at times to integrate Aidoo into their offensive schemes.
However, as the season progressed, Aidoo began to get more comfortable with the system, and his conditioning improved. Still, it wasn’t until his first start that fans saw a glimpse of what he could bring to the team.
In what was arguably his most impactful performance of the season, Aidoo made his first start for the Razorbacks and immediately showed signs of the player they had been expecting. He finished the game with a double-digit point total and grabbed several key rebounds, but it was his presence on the defensive end that truly stood out. Aidoo’s ability to alter shots and protect the rim created a more secure defensive environment for Arkansas.
On offense, Aidoo demonstrated more assertiveness. His ability to roll to the basket, finish through contact, and use his size to create mismatches made him a difficult player for opponents to defend. The Razorbacks’ fast-paced offense, which thrives on getting up and down the floor, looked much more fluid with Aidoo contributing both in transition and as a pick-and-roll threat. His quickness around the rim also allowed him to finish lobs and clean up missed shots, adding a valuable dimension to the team’s attack.
Though Aidoo is still working on fine-tuning his overall game, his performance in the starting lineup was a significant step forward. His rebounding and rim protection were key in securing Arkansas’ victory, and his offensive contributions showed that he is beginning to understand how to fit into the Razorbacks’ system
While Aidoo has certainly shown that he is capable of being an impact player for Arkansas, it is clear that he is still knocking off the rust from his extended absence earlier in the season. His conditioning has improved, but he will need to continue to develop his timing and consistency, especially on the offensive end. The Razorbacks will need him to become a reliable scoring threat in the post, as well as continue his progress in becoming a dominant force on the defensive end.
One of the biggest areas for Aidoo to improve is his understanding of Arkansas’ offensive schemes. Coach Eric Musselman has always run an offense that focuses on ball movement and quick decision-making, and Aidoo will need to continue to adapt to that style. While he has shown flashes of his potential as a roll man and pick-and-pop threat, becoming more adept at moving without the ball and developing chemistry with his teammates will be critical to his continued success.
Defensively, Aidoo’s ability to protect the rim and grab rebounds will be crucial as the Razorbacks enter more competitive SEC matchups. With a frontcourt that includes other talented players, Aidoo will need to find a way to consistently assert himself on both ends of the floor. His ability to control the paint will be especially important against teams with strong post players and dynamic guards who can drive.
For Arkansas to compete at the highest levels in the SEC and beyond, they will need Aidoo to emerge as a consistent force in the frontcourt. While his performance in his first start was promising, it is clear that he still has room for growth. However, the signs of progress are encouraging, and with continued development, Aidoo has the potential to become one of the most impactful players for the Razorbacks.
As Arkansas continues to chase its goals for the season, Aidoo’s progression will be key to their success. The Razorbacks have a deep and talented roster, but to compete with the best teams in the country, they will need Aidoo to become the game-changing big man they were hoping for when they brought him in. If he can continue to knock off the rust and refine his skills, Arkansas could find themselves with a player who can dominate both ends of the floor and elevate the team to new heights.