Arkansas Seeks Size and Scoring Punch in Transfer Portal

Razorbacks look to add impactful big men to complement talented backcourt

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the action and energy of a college basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of color representing the players, the ball, and the court.The Razorbacks' search for impactful big men in the transfer portal aims to build a frontcourt as dynamic and versatile as the team's skilled backcourt.Fayetteville Today

With their backcourt set, the Arkansas Razorbacks are now focused on bolstering their frontcourt through the transfer portal. They are targeting several talented big men, including Cincinnati's Moustapha Thiam, Iowa State's Milan Momcilovic, Arizona State's Massamba Diop, and Syracuse's Donnie Freeman, to provide size, rim protection, and offensive versatility to elevate the team into national championship contention.

Why it matters

The Razorbacks need to add more size and interior presence to compete with the top teams in the SEC and nationally. Securing an impact big man through the transfer portal could be the missing piece that transforms Arkansas from a darkhorse into a bonafide title contender.

The details

The Razorbacks have already added forward Cooper Bowser from Furman, but they are still searching for a true rim-protecting center to pair with forward Malique Ewin. Thiam, a 7-foot-2 big man from Cincinnati, is the top target, as he can provide size, shot-blocking, and the ability to stretch the floor. Other options include Momcilovic, a sharpshooting stretch forward from Iowa State, Diop, an athletic 7-footer from Arizona State, and Freeman, a versatile 6-foot-10 forward from Syracuse.

  • Arkansas has already signed forward Cooper Bowser from Furman.
  • The Razorbacks are actively pursuing several big men in the transfer portal, including Thiam, Momcilovic, Diop, and Freeman.

The players

Moustapha Thiam

A 7-foot-2, 235-pound center from Cincinnati who averaged 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game as a sophomore. He is a skilled stretch big man who can protect the rim and knock down shots from all three levels.

Milan Momcilovic

A 6-foot-8 forward from Iowa State who led the NCAA in 3-point shooting, making 49% of his attempts. He averaged over 17 points per game as a junior and could provide scoring punch as a stretch forward.

Massamba Diop

A 7-foot-1 center from Arizona State who averaged 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game as a freshman. He is an athletic, versatile big man who can guard multiple positions and impact the game on both ends of the floor.

Donnie Freeman

A 6-foot-10 forward from Syracuse who averaged 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block per game as a sophomore. He is a skilled, versatile big man who can score both inside and out, making him an intriguing option for the Razorbacks.

Cooper Bowser

A forward who signed with Arkansas this week after averaging 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block per game at Furman last season. He will provide valuable depth and experience to the Razorbacks' frontcourt.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must add more size and interior presence to compete at the highest level. The transfer portal has provided us with several intriguing options, and we are working hard to bring in the right fit for our program.”

— John Calipari, Head Coach, Arkansas Razorbacks

What’s next

The Razorbacks will continue to actively recruit their top transfer targets, with the goal of securing a commitment from at least one impact big man to complement their talented backcourt.

The takeaway

Arkansas' focus on adding size and scoring punch in the frontcourt through the transfer portal underscores the importance of having a well-rounded roster to compete for championships in today's college basketball landscape.