Cenac is one of the fastest rising players this summer after several outings that have impressed college coaches and evaluators. Calipari’s staff extended an offer to him in June after a MVP performance at the NBAPA Top 100 Camp. He has become a priority for the Razorbacks with Arkansas coaches making multiple efforts to be at his summer circuit games.
As for Johnson, the Razorbacks made his final five cut along with Alabama, Kentucky, Louisville and North Carolina. With Calipari’s history of success over the years with ball dominant combo guards, Arkansas seems to be a good spot for a pleasant recruiting surprise. During the modern era of recruiting, Arkansas has recruited at high levels before albeit sporadically. The 2022 was exceptional considering the signing of No. 1 prospect Nick Smith, Jr. from North Little Rock. Another 5-star in point guard Anthony Black was drafted by Orlando as a lottery pick. Versatlie 5-star wing Jordan Walsh played a key role in Arkansas’ run to the Sweet 16 and won a championship as a rookie with Boston.
Former Razorbacks guards Rotnei Clarke and Courtney Fortson’s class was regarded as a top-20 group in 2008. With home victories over ranked Oklahoma and Texas squads, Arkansas followed a 12-1 non-conference start to go 2-14 in SEC play.
Chicago native Patrick Beverley’s No. 19 class in 2006 also included Fort Smith JUCO star Sonny Weems. Both men spent time with multiple NBA franchises along with international stints.