John Calipari and the Razorbacks basketball team have done it two days in a row, going overseas (kind of) for a 2025 prospect. Thursday, Arkansas landed a 7-footer out of Bosnia to bolster its frontcourt, and on Friday, it received another international commitment from center Paulo Semedo.
Paulo Semedo commits to Arkansas basketball
Originally from Angola and at 7-foot-1, 220 pounds, Semedo is ranked sporadically across the major recruiting outlets. At the highest, he's ranked the No. 50 national player and the No. 6 center, according to ESPN. However, Semedo isn't even ranked by 247 Sports despite holding offers from Arizona State, Miami, and Florida State.
However, in an article by HawgSports writer Connor Goodson, 247Sports finally caught up on the hype last month. A recruiting analyst with the outlet was impressed with the Angolan's play while playing for Team Scoot on the Pro16 Circuit.
"Semedo popped off quick in this matchup with a drive through the lane before rising up and punishing the rim with a one-handed slam in traffic," wrote Travis Branham of 247Sports. "His mobility and tools were very intriguing and then couple it with some of the defensive plays he made and the pair of jumpers he hit from three, he is worth going back for another look."
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— Razorbackers (@RazorbackersFS) June 13, 2025
The West Oaks Academy prospect out of Orlando, Fla. will join a growing frontcourt anchored by returner Trevon Brazile and transfers Malique Ewin from Florida State and Nick Pringle from Alabama. Lebanese addition Karim Rtail and Thursday's commitment Elmir Dzafic will also add quality depth with Semedo.