John Calipari isn’t slowing down when it comes to chasing young talent.
The Hogs have extended an offer to Liam Mitakaro, a 2028 combo guard who’s quickly become one of the most talked about names in his class.
He’s the third player in the entire 2028 cycle to land an offer from Calipari and Arkansas.
Mitakaro stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 175 pounds. He’s originally from Alberta Canada but now suits up for Bella Vista Prep, a well known program in Scottsdale Arizona.
The Razorbacks reached out to him Tuesday afternoon, right after he turned heads on the EYBL circuit with his home country squad.
247Sports rates him as a four-star prospect but he checks in as a composite five-star with a score of 0.9903. He’s the No. 5 combo guard nationally in his class and ranks 28th overall on the composite board.
Crowded recruiting board for Arkansas
Arkansas isn’t the only school chasing him. Mitakaro also holds offers from Arizona State, Kansas, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Texas, UCLA, West Virginia and San Francisco.
That’s a wide mix of programs from several different leagues all circling the same young guard.
His summer numbers explain why.
Playing for UPlay Canada on the EYBL trail he’s averaging just over 14 points per game while shooting 46% from the field 27% from deep and 71% from the free throw line.
He’s also adding close to six assists four rebounds and two steals a night while playing about 23 minutes per outing.
Following the EYBL’s Kansas City Session III Mitakaro helped UPlay Canada finish a perfect 4-0 weekend.
That run earned him a spot on the 16U All-Circuit First Team after he averaged 13.8 points 5.8 assists 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 steals over those four games.
What scouts are saying about his game
247Sports recruiting insider Travis Branham called Mitakaro “an impressive prospect with talent and upside thanks to his size, length and athleticism in the backcourt.”
Branham added that he “can create off the dribble, score from all three levels with defensive and playmaking potential.”
There’s a smooth quality to how he plays the game and it shows why he’s viewed as one of the better prospects in the world at his age.
He can run the point for stretches with solid ball handling skills but his shooting stroke is what really separates him from other guards.
His feel for the game stands out too since he doesn’t rush decisions the way a lot of guards his age tend to do.
His length draws comparisons to former Razorback and current Orlando Magic forward Anthony Black. His scoring instincts bring to mind another recent Hog in Darius Acuff.
He’s comfortable attacking the basket and already has a reliable floater working in the lane. His outside shooting range should only keep expanding as he gets more reps.
Calipari’s track record with young guards
Mitakaro is a long way from making any kind of college decision but this offer fits a pattern for Calipari.
He’s built a reputation for spotting elite backcourt players early in their recruiting journey often before most other coaches even take notice.
If Mitakaro keeps adding strength and sharpens his three point shot the path toward becoming one of the nation’s top guards stays wide open.
Key takeaways
- Arkansas basketball offered 2028 combo guard Liam Mitakaro, making him only the third player in his class to receive an offer from John Calipari and the Hogs.
- Mitakaro is rated a composite five-star and ranks No. 28 nationally with a strong summer on the EYBL circuit including a perfect 4-0 weekend with UPlay Canada.
- The 6-foot-4 guard already holds 11 offers total including Kansas Texas UCLA and Ole Miss showing just how competitive his recruitment figures to become.
