Kentucky forward Adou Thiero makes statement about future

Adou Thiero, a forward for Kentucky, entered the transfer portal on Thursday. On Saturday, he posted a statement on social media about his future, which leaves open the possibility of him joining the Wildcats again.

“After talking to Coach (John) Calipari, I feel it is best at this time to test the waters professionally, entering my name in the 2024 NBA Draft, while keeping all of my options open, including a return to Kentucky,” wrote Thiero. “I want to express my gratitude to my teammates, coaches, and fans for their support during the previous two years. I’m excited to go through this process and figure out what my next course of action is.”

ESPN projects Thiero as a first-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. He has till May 29 to withdraw from the 2024 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility.

As a sophomore this season, the 6-foot-8 forward averaged 7.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in 21.3 minutes per game, starting 19 out of 25 games for the Wildcats. He maintained shooting percentages of 49.2% from the field, 31.8% from beyond the arc, and 80% from the free-throw line.

Thiero showcased his abilities in various games throughout the season, including notable performances such as scoring 16 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in a loss against No. 1 Kansas, contributing 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks against Gonzaga, recording 14 points and 8 rebounds in a victory over No. 13 Auburn, and posting 12 points before fouling out in just 16 minutes during a win against No. 13 Alabama at Rupp Arena. Additionally, he scored 11 points in a win against Mississippi State.

Initially signed by Kentucky in the spring of 2022 out of Quaker Valley High School in Leetsdale, Pa., Thiero was originally a 6-foot-4 guard rated as a 3-star prospect and ranked 169th overall by the industry average 247Sports Composite. He ultimately chose the Wildcats over Maryland, Xavier, and Duquesne.

During his sophomore season, listed at 6-foot-8 and 220 pounds, Thiero emerged as a versatile offensive threat, combining strength and agility. Defensively, he proved to be a sturdy and physical defender capable of guarding multiple positions.

In the spring of 2022, Adam Finkelstein, the Director of Scouting at 247Sports, highlighted Thiero’s significant potential upside. Finkelstein emphasized Thiero’s remarkable growth from a 6-foot guard to a 6-foot-6 player, a transformation that historically indicates promising prospects. He noted that Thiero’s development trajectory made him an intriguing prospect with considerable potential for success. Given Kentucky’s position, where immediate contributions weren’t urgently needed, they could afford to invest in a player like Thiero, whose high ceiling made him a compelling choice.

Coach John Calipari echoed the sentiment of prioritizing experience, maturity, and physicality for the Wildcats in the upcoming season. Calipari emphasized the importance of bolstering the team’s maturity and physical presence, both through returning players and incoming freshmen. He also stressed the significance of recruiting transfers who could contribute immediately and bring the desired qualities to the team. Calipari emphasized the need for a balanced approach, incorporating both freshmen and transfers, to address the team’s requirements effectively. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of utilizing the summer period to focus on physical development, including increased emphasis on strength training.