arkansas players in the nba

7 Arkansas Razorbacks Dominating The NBA: A Look At The 2024-2025 Season’s Most Impactful Alumni

arkansas players in the nba

The University of Arkansas has firmly established itself as a premier pipeline for NBA talent, a fact underscored by the impressive presence of its alumni on professional rosters for the current 2024-2025 season. The Razorbacks men's basketball program continues to churn out high-caliber players, with a core group of seven former Hogs currently contributing significant minutes and clutch plays across the league. This deep representation is a testament to the program's recent success in developing NBA-ready athletes, placing Arkansas among the NCAA's elite in terms of producing professional talent.

As of late 2025, the list of Arkansas players in the NBA is not just long, but filled with players who are taking on increasingly vital roles, from seasoned NBA champions to dynamic, young lottery picks. From the veteran leadership of a Sixth Man of the Year contender to the raw potential of recent first-round selections, the Razorbacks are proving that the tenacity and grit of the SEC translate directly to success on the world’s biggest basketball stage. This year is shaping up to be one of the most impactful seasons yet for the Arkansas alumni.

The Elite Roster of Arkansas Razorbacks in the NBA (2024-2025)

The 2024-2025 NBA season features an exciting group of former Razorbacks, each making their mark on their respective teams. This list highlights the seven players currently on active NBA rosters, detailing their biographical information and college career at Arkansas.

  • Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks)
    • Position: Power Forward (PF)
    • Draft Year: 2015 (Round 1, Pick 22) - Chicago Bulls
    • Current Team: Milwaukee Bucks
    • College Career: A Little Rock native, Portis was a dominant force for the Razorbacks. He was named the SEC Player of the Year and a consensus Second-Team All-American in 2015. His intense energy and versatile scoring made him a fan favorite in Fayetteville.
  • Anthony Black (Orlando Magic)
    • Position: Point Guard / Shooting Guard (PG/SG)
    • Draft Year: 2023 (Round 1, Pick 6) - Orlando Magic
    • Current Team: Orlando Magic
    • College Career: A one-and-done standout, Black was the highest-drafted Razorback since 1995. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team after averaging 12.8 points and 3.9 assists, leading the Hogs to the Sweet Sixteen of the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
  • Moses Moody (Golden State Warriors)
    • Position: Shooting Guard (SG)
    • Draft Year: 2021 (Round 1, Pick 14) - Golden State Warriors
    • Current Team: Golden State Warriors
    • College Career: Moody was an immediate impact player, earning SEC Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-SEC honors in his lone season (2020-21). He was a key component in Arkansas’s run to the Elite Eight.
  • Isaiah Joe (Oklahoma City Thunder)
    • Position: Shooting Guard / Point Guard (SG/PG)
    • Draft Year: 2020 (Round 2, Pick 49) - Philadelphia 76ers
    • Current Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
    • College Career: Known for his elite three-point shooting, Joe was a prolific scorer for Arkansas, averaging over 16 points per game in both his freshman and sophomore seasons. He left Arkansas as one of the program's most celebrated shooters.
  • Jaylin Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder)
    • Position: Power Forward / Center (PF/C)
    • Draft Year: 2022 (Round 2, Pick 34) - Oklahoma City Thunder
    • Current Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
    • College Career: Williams was the emotional leader of the Razorbacks during their consecutive Elite Eight runs (2021, 2022). He was an All-SEC Honorable Mention and known for his exceptional passing ability and drawing charges.
  • Nick Smith Jr. (Charlotte Hornets)
    • Position: Guard (G)
    • Draft Year: 2023 (Round 1, Pick 27) - Charlotte Hornets
    • Current Team: Charlotte Hornets
    • College Career: A consensus five-star recruit, Smith Jr. dealt with injuries during his freshman year but showcased his explosive scoring ability when healthy, leading to his first-round selection in the 2023 NBA Draft.
  • Jordan Walsh (Boston Celtics)
    • Position: Small Forward (SF)
    • Draft Year: 2023 (Round 2, Pick 38) - Boston Celtics
    • Current Team: Boston Celtics
    • College Career: Walsh was an elite defender and versatile forward for the 2022-23 Razorbacks team. His high-motor defense and 7'1" wingspan were key factors in his early entry into the NBA Draft.

2024-2025 Season: Razorbacks Making a Major Impact

The 2024-2025 season is proving to be a showcase for the versatility and depth of Arkansas's NBA contingent. The players are contributing across the board, from starting roles to crucial bench production, which is a hallmark of a successful college program.

Bobby Portis: The Veteran Anchor in Milwaukee

Bobby Portis remains one of the league’s most reliable and energetic reserve players for the Milwaukee Bucks. In the 2024-2025 campaign, Portis has solidified his role as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, averaging an impressive 13.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists through 49 games. His presence provides a crucial spark off the bench, particularly in the post-season, where his clutch shooting and intensity have been invaluable to the Bucks' success. The former SEC Player of the Year is a veteran leader and an NBA champion, representing the pinnacle of the Razorbacks' professional development.

Anthony Black: The Young Star in Orlando

As a lottery pick, Anthony Black has quickly cemented himself as a key piece of the Orlando Magic's young core. During the 2024-2025 season, Black played 78 games, averaging 9.4 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds. His defensive prowess and exceptional court vision have made him a versatile two-way guard, often seeing significant minutes and even starting in several contests. His continued development as a primary ball-handler is a major storyline for the Magic's future.

The Oklahoma City Thunder Connection

The Oklahoma City Thunder boasts a significant Arkansas presence with both Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams on the roster. Isaiah Joe has become an elite three-point specialist, known for his quick-trigger shooting and spacing the floor for OKC’s dynamic offense. He is a high-volume shooter who consistently ranks among the league leaders in three-point percentage. Jaylin Williams, meanwhile, has carved out a valuable role as a versatile big man, playing 47 regular-season games and contributing in the playoffs with his basketball IQ, passing, and ability to draw charges—a skill he perfected in his college career.

Moses Moody and the Warriors' Future

Moses Moody continues to grow into a more prominent role with the Golden State Warriors. The two-way wing has shown flashes of brilliance, including a strong 2024-2025 preseason where he averaged 15.5 points per game. His scoring bursts and defensive potential make him a crucial part of the Warriors' transition, proving he is ready to take on a larger scoring load as the team evolves.

The Next Wave: Future Arkansas NBA Draft Prospects

The Razorbacks' NBA legacy is far from complete, with several current and former players poised to join the professional ranks in the near future. The program's recruiting success under coach John Calipari ensures a constant flow of elite talent to the NBA Draft.

The 2025 NBA Draft class is already generating buzz with players like Trevon Brazile and Karter Knox drawing significant attention from scouts. Brazile, a high-flying forward, is recognized for his elite athleticism and defensive capabilities, while Knox is a highly-touted freshman with immense scoring potential. Additionally, Adou Thiero is another name mentioned as a potential 2025 draft pick, further solidifying Arkansas's reputation as a top-tier NBA factory.

This consistent production of NBA-level talent, from lottery picks like Anthony Black to vital role players like Bobby Portis and Isaiah Joe, speaks volumes about the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball program. The current group of seven players is not only competing at the highest level but is also setting the stage for the next generation of Hogs to follow in their footsteps, ensuring the "Arkansas Players in the NBA" list will remain one of the deepest in college basketball.

arkansas players in the nba
arkansas players in the nba

Details

arkansas players in the nba
arkansas players in the nba

Details

Detail Author:

  • Name : Prof. Thurman Grimes
  • Username : skiles.ronaldo
  • Email : kling.audra@hotmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1976-12-20
  • Address : 575 Berge Meadow Apt. 871 Croninville, CT 93061-8230
  • Phone : +1-425-329-9647
  • Company : Hirthe-Dach
  • Job : Carpet Installer
  • Bio : Exercitationem perferendis autem veritatis in ipsa voluptatem aut. Esse culpa dolor beatae. Ipsam sapiente atque nisi dolores quam assumenda. Earum iusto accusantium placeat.

Socials

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/rennerl
  • username : rennerl
  • bio : Voluptatibus et laudantium molestiae libero. Ut vero ut ut iusto. Et neque molestias optio.
  • followers : 4493
  • following : 2122

tiktok: