Overview

• Calipari has cut his squad to nine primary players to navigate name, image and likeness complexities and deepen team cohesion.
• The coach is prioritizing college-experienced transfers over high school recruits by adding veterans Nick Pringle and Malique Ewin.
• Returning leaders D.J. Wagner, Trevon Brazile, Karter Knox and Billy Richmond III are being blended with five-star freshmen Darius Acuff Jr., Meleek Thomas and four-star Isaiah Sealy.
• July practices have focused on up-tempo drills and rim-attacks to leverage healthier lineups and boost offensive versatility.
• In his second season at Arkansas, Calipari has shown increased comfort in his coaching style, emphasizing player growth and a winning culture.