FAYETTEVILLE — Another 5-star point guard has committed to Arkansas basketball.
Davion Thompson announced his pledge to the Razorbacks on Wednesday, June 10. He chose Arkansas over Vanderbilt, Baylor and Michigan.
The Link Academy (Mo.) product is currently a member of the 2027 class, but a source close to the Arkansas program told the Southwest Times Record that the Razorbacks expect Thompson to reclassify and play for John Calipari during the upcoming season.
According to the 247Sports Composite, Thompson was a five-star prospect in the 2027 rankings. He was the No. 22 player in the country and the No. 5 point guard.
Calipari recently finished a recruiting trip to Mexico, where he watched Thompson compete for Team USA at the FIBA U18 Americup. Thompson scored 11 points in an 88-58 victory over Argentina.
If he reclassifies, Thompson will be the fifth freshman on the Hogs’ 2026-27 roster. He joins other five-start recruits Jordan Smith Jr., Miikka Muurinen, JJ Andrews and Abdou Toure.
What Davion Thompson brings to Arkansas basketball
Arkansas needed to replenish its 3-point shooting with the departure of Meleek Thomas. Again, assuming the reclassification, Thompson will try to help fill the void.
The lefty averaged 21.7 points and shot 52% from 3-point range with the Meanstreets squad during the Nike EYBL spring circuit. He is comfortable in hoisting 3s off-the-dribble or as a spot-up shooter.
His shooting prowess forces opposing defenders to extend their coverage, and that gives Thompson room to get inside the paint with good footwork and a veteran sense of changing speeds. He slows down defenders to then blow by them and has a knack for getting to the free-throw line.
What it means for Arkansas basketball roster
The Hogs reliance on freshmen will be at an all-time high next season. There’s a chance Thompson needs a year to develop. However, if he’s ready to contribute, Thompson will likely be the top guard off the bench backing up Smith and Georgia transfer Jeremiah Wilkinson.
Aside from the shooting, Thompson’s biggest addition to next year’s team is his ball-handling. It remains to be seen how comfortable Andrews and Toure are initiating the offense, and both of those incoming freshmen are better suited to play on the wing. Billy Richmond III played some point guard as a freshman, but he thrived in an off-ball role as a sophomore.
As it currently stands, the Hogs could have a 10-man rotation if Thompson along with returnees Isaiah Sealy and Paulo Semedo deserve minutes. The latter duo must improve this offseason to feature in Calipari’s on-court plans.
Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@usatodayco.com or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Davion Thompson commits to Arkansas basketball, John Calipari
