D.J. Wagner, a former Kentucky player, has committed to play for John Calipari at Arkansas next season, making him the sixth player or recruit to follow Calipari from Kentucky to Arkansas since he took the job in Fayetteville. Wagner, who was ranked sixth in his class out of high school, entered the transfer portal in April after Calipari left Kentucky.
Calipari has brought over several talented players to Arkansas since taking over the job, including former Kentucky transfers Adou Thiero and Zvonimir Ivišič, both of whom are top recruits with NBA potential. He has also added recruits Boogie Fland, Karter Knox, and Billy Richmond to Arkansas’ roster, along with transfers Johnell Davis from Florida Atlantic and Jonas Aidoo from Tennessee.
Former Louisville coach Kenny Payne, who recruited Wagner out of high school and played with Wagner’s grandfather on Louisville’s 1986 national championship team, has joined Calipari’s staff at Arkansas. With a strong roster on paper and Payne joining his staff, Calipari looks poised to continue his success in the SEC under his leadership at Arkansas.
