[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2025 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Adou Thiero
Frame: 6’8″,  220 lbs
Position: Forward
School: Arkansas Razorbacks
2024 Draft Age: 21
Stats via bartttorvik.com and sports-reference.com 

Offense

Thiero was a hustle player and defensive specialist during his first two college seasons at Kentucky. As a junior, he’s taken a major offensive leap in his first year at Arkansas, leading his team with 16.9 points per game. A high-end athlete with NBA-level explosiveness, power, and body control, Thiero thrives as a cutter and rim finisher. His athletic tools allow him to consistently finish through contact. 

He is shooting an outstanding 77.5 percent at the rim and has recorded 25 dunks this season, ranking inside the top 20 nationally. His ability to make an impact without the basketball—through offensive rebounds, cutting and finishing—makes Thiero a seamless fit into the modern NBA. 

Thor has also become more comfortable as a playmaker. He is averaging 2.2 assists per contest (double his average from last season). He capitalizes on collapsing defenses during his paint attacks by kicking out to open shooters or dumping off to his big men. His ability to make quick passing reads off the dribble is crucial for his offensive viability at the next level.

Shooting is the most significant hole in his game. A career 29 percent from deep, he is hitting only 24 percent of his three-point attempts this season. However, he is attempting twice the volume of his previous seasons. Thiero’s consistency as an outside shooter is the primary swing skill in his development and will ultimately determine his ceiling in the future.

 

Defense

Thiero’s calling card will be defense at the next level. On the ball, he can effectively guard multiple positions. With the foot speed to mirror opponents’ drives and the length to recover when beaten, he projects as an impactful defensive stopper against wing creators at the next level. His discipline, strength, and vertical pop shine when guarding forwards or bigs. Opposing teams will not be able to target him on the defensive end in the NBA. 

Thiero is an impactful defensive playmaker with consistently disruptive hands and excellent timing. He is one of only 15 players in America with a 3.0 block percentage and a 4.0 steal percentage*, showcasing his ability to influence the game both as a shot blocker and in the passing lanes. 

He is also impactful on the glass, leading his team with 5.9 rebounds per game this season. His physicality and vertical explosiveness allow him to secure boards in traffic and end possessions effectively.

*The estimated percentage of opponents’ possessions that end in a steal (or a block) by a given player while on the court.

Looking ahead

The junior projects as a versatile forward/big wing whose energy, finishing prowess, and defensive acumen will provide immediate value to his drafting team.

Thiero will be at his best playing off an established star as a complementary piece. He has long been the type of role player who does the dirty work, takes on challenging defensive assignments, and consistently provides high-energy minutes. At the next level, his baseline contribution will likely remain as that gritty, dependable role player. However, his rapidly developing on-ball skills could someday allow him to contribute in even more ways. 

He projects to be a late first-round pick in the upcoming NBA draft.