FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Isaiah Sealy, a 6-foot-7 freshman forward from Springdale, is emerging as a candidate for playing time this season with Arkansas.
Sealy, a four-star recruit, signed with the Razorbacks in November.
While much of the attention in the Razorbacks’ 2025 recruiting class has focused on five-star guards Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas, Sealy’s performance during an open practice last week drew praise from coach John Calipari and teammates, signaling his potential to earn a rotation spot.
“There are things that Isaiah Sealy does that I can’t teach,” Calipari said after the practice. “He’s going to be good. He’s just gotta catch up on some of the other stuff.”
Sealy’s strengths were evident during the session, as he made three-pointers, drove to the basket and contributed defensively. Teammate Meleek Thomas, also a freshman, said Sealy brings intensity and focus to the team.
“He’s a very good player, very good athlete,” Thomas said. “He takes the game very serious. We talk daily. That’s my teammate. That’s my friend off the court. So, I could tell how much he wants it.”
Calipari adjusted his roster-building strategy after Arkansas was hampered by injuries last season, when the Razorbacks reached the NCAA Sweet 16 but struggled with depth.
Calipari said Arkansas has “10 or 11 players they can rely on,” including several international recruits, but noted that Sealy has work to do to secure a consistent role.
“Isaiah doesn’t play until he catches,” Calipari said. “So, he’s behind the action instead of, ‘I’m seeing, so when I catch it I read and I see what’s there in front of me.’ He catches and then tries to read, but that’s typical of someone his age.”
Sealy was a standout at Springdale High School, where he averaged 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists as a sophomore, leading the Bulldogs to the Class 6A state championship game, according to the Arkansas Razorbacks athletics website.
Recruiting services ranked Sealy as the No. 69 overall prospect and No. 1 recruit in Arkansas for the 2025 class, according to On3. Scouting reports describe him as a versatile perimeter player who can defend multiple positions and contribute as a scorer and rebounder.
Thomas, who is expected to play a major role for Arkansas this season, said the freshmen need to help immediately.
“I talked to him that we got to be difference-makers and real impactful to the game because we’re freshmen,” Thomas said. “I’m not just trying to be average. I really, really want to get after it this year for the both of us. So, I know that Zay, he really wants it, very competitive, and we’re both growing. So, I got a lot of praise for Isaiah Sealy.”
Arkansas’s 2025 recruiting class is ranked among the top five nationally, according to Whole Hog Sports, and includes Acuff, Thomas, and international prospects Karim Rtail, Elmir Dzafic and Paulo Semedo.
Calipari said that competition for minutes will be strong as the newcomers adjust to college basketball.
Sealy’s playing time will depend on his ability to make quick decisions and adapt to the speed of the college game. His effort and versatility give him a chance to contribute immediately, alongside the program’s more heralded newcomers, Calipari said.
The Razorbacks are scheduled to open their season in November.
