In his first official day with the Arkansas basketball program, Hall of Fame head coach John Calipari made waves by announcing the return of three key players for the 2025-26 season. Using his personal ‘X’ account, Calipari revealed that D.J. Wagner, Trevon Brazile, and Billy Richmond III would all return to school next year, sparking excitement among Razorbacks fans.
“I just met with the team, and there is a team this year,” Calipari said in a video. “So let me go over some of the roster. What we’re doing, who’s going to be here. We’re not quite finished, but I’m feeling really good about this group.”
The video featured the returnees, along with freshmen and transfer portal signees, each declaring, “I’m all in.” Calipari also expressed his support for Karter Knox, who decided to test the NBA draft process after declaring his intention earlier that day.
Wagner, who struggled to establish a role early in the season, found his stride when a thumb injury to freshman Boogie Fland forced him into a full-time point guard position. The shift helped the Razorbacks find their rhythm, leading to a 11-7 finish in their final 18 games and a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Wagner averaged 11.2 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.7 rebounds on 40.1% shooting, delivering clutch performances in key games, including a season-high 24 points in the regular-season finale against Mississippi State.
Brazile, a 6-foot-10 forward, had a strong finish to the season, averaging 11.3 points and 9.1 rebounds over the final nine games. His late-season surge included key double-doubles in wins over Vanderbilt and Mississippi State. He also made a major impact in the NCAA Tournament, recording 11 points and 12 rebounds in a first-round win against Kansas.
Richmond, in his first season, proved to be a versatile contributor for the Razorbacks. As the backup point guard, he played key defensive roles and showcased his athleticism with highlight-worthy dunks in transition. Richmond finished the season averaging 5.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, shooting 52.3% from the field.
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