Major Hogs' Target Details Official Visit, Commitment Timeline

Razorbacks, Calipari will have to fend off quite a few schools to land Top 25 prospect, No. 1 player in Arkansas

Arkansas Razorbacks coach John Calipari yells on the floor to his team against Lipscomb at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark. / Nilsen Roman-Hogs on SI Images

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Little Rock Christian star guard JJ Andrews is fresh off a visit with Arkansas this past week and the trip seems to have gone well.

His family name is already well known in college football circles with his dad, Shawn, becoming a two-time All-American as a Razorback on his way to being picked in the first round in 2004's NFL Draft.

"It was a great visit," Andrews tells Hogs on SI. "I was excited to be able to get an inside scope of what it is like to play basketball for Coach Cal at the University of Arkansas. My family and I enjoyed ourselves, spending time with the coaches and learning their schemes and style of play, and also getting to see the great campus."

One of the biggest reasons top basketball prospects are looking at Arkansas is because of first-year coach John Calipari's reputation as not only a great recruiter, but legendary coach. He's seen 58 former players go onto be selected by NBA teams, including 41 first rounders and four No. 1 overall picks.

"It was great to see that Coach Calipari was coming to Arkansas and I knew it would mean a lot to the Arkansas fans," Andrews said. "It’s really a blessing to be recruited by a legendary coach such as himself."

Like he tells most players, its one thing to be recruited by Calipari, but that doesn't mean a path to the bright lights and centerstage handshake with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is cut and dry. Those who sign with the Naismith Hall of Fame coach must develop their craft and put in the work to achieve their goals.

"[Calipari] ultimately told me that they have many things to help guide me on my way to my goals of playing in the NBA and winning a national championship," Andrews said. "He told me it is up to me to put the work in to get there."

Andrews got maximum exposure to the Razorbacks. He was able to learn of the legacy his father left after his time at Arkansas.

"It’s awesome to see the legacy that my dad has left during his time as a Razorback," Andrews said. "The fans love to see him and hearing the stories of his days here inspire me to keep working and leave a legacy of my own one day."

The younger Andrews has already left an impact at the high school level by leading Little Rock Christian to back-to-back state championships. He averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds per game last season for the Warriors.

He experienced a great run at Peach Jam, winning the Nike EYBL U16 title. HIs Bradley Beal Elite team went roughshod over its field with a 7-0 record.

The 6-foot-6, 220 pound point guard was one of the elite performers in his division, averaging 20 points per game on 66% shooting from the field and 32% from three.

"My goals this season are to win a 3rd championship in the 5A division and win Gatorade State Player of the Year for Arkansas," Andrews said.

Andrews is currently expected to visit LSU this weekend with other trips to Marquette and Oklahoma planned. Programs that keep consistent contact with him include Missouri, LSU, Oklahoma, Marquette, NC State, Oklahoma State and Alabama.

The 2026 prospect is ranked No. 24 overall nationally, the No. 4 shooting guard and the No.1 player in the state of Arkansas, according to 247sports composite rankings. He plans to announce his commitment this summer, but no date has been set.

"I'm just taking it day by day," Andrews said.

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• Analyst divides SEC into three levels, but on which tier did Razorbacks land?

• Hogs Expected to host ACC wide receiver for official visit

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