Tye fills in for Zach and we play a round of Grill Bill/Tye.
Plus Ruscin has done research and he doesn’t want anyone ripping him off without giving proper credit.
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 5-28-25
What’s your beef this Wednesday? The College Football Playoffs, Traffic, Accidental Affiliations are among ours.
Guests: Pete Nakos
Thiero’s NBA Draft decision looms as Hogs awaits roster clarity
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — With the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline approaching, fans are watching Arkansas forward Adou Thiero.
His decision decision will help shape the Razorbacks’ 2025 basketball season. John Calipari has already improved the roster with some new additions and getting key players back.
Thiero could make them even better and with the deadline set for 10:59 p.m. tonight, Thiero’s future remains uncertain, and the anticipation among Hogs’ fans is building.
A Breakout Season and Rising NBA Stock
Thiero, a 6-foot-6 forward, delivered a breakout junior season, averaging 15.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, leading the Razorbacks in scoring for much of the year.
His athleticism, defensive versatility, and ability to attack the basket have made him a coveted NBA prospect, though his shooting remains a work in progress — he shot just 26% from three-point range last season.
Despite a knee injury that sidelined him late in the season, Thiero’s performances in key games, such as his 24-point outing against Baylor and 23-point efforts versus Pacific and Little Rock, highlighted his potential to impact games at the next level.
Draft Combine and Uncertain Signals
At the NBA Draft Combine, Thiero offered a cryptic update on his status.
“The door is not completely shut, but we should know more this week,” he said. “For me, the door is kinda closed, but my circle around, they want to hear more great things to finally shut that door.”
This statement left the door slightly ajar for a possible return to Arkansas, but also suggested that Thiero and his advisors are leaning toward the NBA, depending on final feedback from teams and medical evaluations.
Analysts Weigh In
National college basketball analysts have been divided on Thiero’s likely path.
“Adou Thiero and Karter Knox, I think they both wind up back at Arkansas,” Matt Norlander speculated on his Eye on Basketball podcast, but quickly acknowledged the uncertainty that surrounds such decisions.
College basketball insider Aaron Torres was more skeptical.
“I would put it at less than 5%, maybe less than 3%, if Adou Thiero returns to Arkansas.”
Torres argued that Thiero does not fit the typical profile of a player who returns to college—he is already a likely draft pick, stands to earn significantly more in the NBA, and has little to gain by risking another college season.
“If it clicks in the NBA… Adou Thiero, if things go well, could make nine figures, could make over a hundred million dollars playing basketball over the next decade,” Torres said, emphasizing the financial upside of staying in the draft.
Impact on Arkansas’ Roster and Calipari’s Plans
Thiero’s decision comes just days after teammate Karter Knox announced he would withdraw from the draft and return to Arkansas, providing a boost to John Calipari’s second-year roster.
Knox, who averaged 8.3 points and 3.3 rebounds as a freshman, is expected to play a bigger role alongside a talented incoming recruiting class and key transfers such as Malique Ewin.
If Thiero returns, Arkansas would boast a formidable frontcourt duo and a roster capable of contending in the SEC.
However, if Thiero stays in the draft, Calipari will need to rely more heavily on Knox, Ewin, and rising stars like Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas, who headline a top-10 recruiting class. The uncertainty has left fans and coaches alike awaiting clarity as the withdrawal deadline ticks down.
The Final Countdown
As the May 28 deadline approaches, the Razorbacks’ hopes for a deep postseason run may hinge on Thiero’s choice.
While some analysts hold out hope for his return, the consensus points to Thiero pursuing his NBA dream, especially if his medicals check out and first-round projections hold.
For now, Arkansas fans remain in suspense, hoping for a last-minute twist but preparing for a new era under Calipari — whether or not Thiero is part of it.
Razorbacks set to host Regional: Scouting, analysis, outlook
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas is set to host the 2025 NCAA Fayetteville Regional at Baum-Walker Stadium, marking the program’s 12th time as a regional host and the seventh in the last eight full seasons.
After a dominant 43-13 regular season and a 32-4 home record, the Razorbacks enter as the No. 3 national seed, welcoming Kansas, Creighton, and North Dakota State to Fayetteville from May 30 to June 2.
A Historic Home Field Advantage
Baum-Walker Stadium has become synonymous with postseason baseball. Arkansas boasts an .889 winning percentage at home this season, just two wins shy of tying its single-season record for home victories.
Hogs coach Dave Van Horn, now in his 23rd season, has made Fayetteville a perennial postseason destination, guiding the Razorbacks to seven College World Series appearances and 926 wins at Arkansas.
“That’s pretty much who I thought was coming,” Van Horn said about the regional draw. “Obviously, Nebraska winning yesterday, there was a possibility of them coming in as a three.
“I did feel like KU would come in being three hours up the road as a two. They’ve had a great season.
”I felt like it was going to be either North Dakota State or [Arkansas] Little Rock coming in as the four. So, pretty much what I thought”.
Regional Opponents: Scouting the Field
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Kansas Jayhawks (43-15):
Kansas arrives as the No. 2 seed after an excellent Big 12 season, posting a 20-7 road record. Under coach Dan Fitzgerald, the Jayhawks have elevated their talent and consistency. “He’s done a great job … he went in there and just really elevated the program and he did it by probably the way he runs the program but at the same time he elevated the talent level,” Van Horn noted. -
Creighton Bluejays (41-14):
Creighton, the No. 3 seed, is coming off a strong campaign with a 20-8 road record. Their balanced attack and postseason experience make them a legitimate threat in the regional. -
North Dakota State Bison (20-31):
The Bison secured their spot by winning the Summit League Tournament, despite an 11-26 road record. Their experience playing in tough venues, including Baton Rouge, could help them handle the Baum-Walker environment. “Just like North Dakota going down to Baton Rouge, it shows you that they’re not scared,” Van Horn said. “I’m sure they’re using that now saying, ‘Hey, we played in Baton Rouge, Fayetteville is not going to be an issue’”.
Arkansas’ Strengths and X-Factors
This year’s Razorbacks are among the most well-rounded teams in the nation, ranking in the top 20 for both batting average (.313) and team ERA (4.06).
The squad is led by SEC Player of the Year Wehiwa Aloy, whose offensive prowess anchors a deep lineup.
Arkansas’ pitching staff, bolstered by depth and experience, has been a cornerstone of its success.
The Razorbacks’ ability to adapt and execute in high-pressure situations will be critical, especially after early exits in the last two postseasons.
Van Horn emphasized the importance of focusing on their own game:
“It really boils down that we just do what we do well and if we do that, you know, we got a chance to win it”.
SEC Dominance and the Road Ahead
Arkansas is one of a record-tying eight SEC programs hosting a regional this year, part of an unprecedented 13 SEC teams in the tournament field.
Should the Razorbacks advance, they will face the winner of the Knoxville Regional, which features Tennessee, Wake Forest, Cincinnati, and Miami (OH).
Despite falling short in recent regionals, optimism is high in Fayetteville.
“The future’s bright here,” Van Horn said. “The team that we put on the field is going to be fun to watch.
“That’s probably about as much as I ever say about my teams. I’ve really enjoyed this team, so we feel like we’ll continue on like we have.”
Outlook and Prediction
With a formidable home record, a balanced roster, and the experience of Van Horn at the helm, Arkansas is well-positioned to break through to the super regionals and make a push for Omaha.
The challenge will be significant, particularly from a battle-tested Kansas squad, but the Razorbacks’ depth and consistency give them a clear edge in the Fayetteville Regional.
Ruscin & Zach May 27
Lots of sports as Tye fills in for Zach. We are all over baseball, and Ruscin tells us why this week defines the season, nothing else can. Then we tip toe around if we can critique softball or not and Tye messages a woman on a dating app, the texters try (and fail) to help.
Alyssa Orange on how Razorbacks’ softball building sport across state
With excitement around Super Regional against Ole Miss, looking at how it’s helped spotlight programs across Arkansas.
Bud Light Morning Rush Podcast: 5-27-25
The Fayetteville Regional is set for Arkansas baseball, Karter Knox announces his return to Arkansas. NCAA Baseball Tournament Time!
Guests: Bruce Stanton and Tom Murphy!
