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How Razorbacks got four-star wing Abdou Toure to sign with Arkansas

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How Razorbacks got four-star wing Abdou Toure to sign with Arkansas


FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Both of Arkansas’ 2026 basketball commits are officially on board after four-star wing Abdou Toure signed with the Razorbacks on Wednesday.

The West Haven, Conn., native joined fellow commit JJ Andrews as part of the first full recruiting class under coach John Calipari.

The program announced Toure’s signing on its official X account, confirming what had been expected since he committed in early October. Arkansas beat out several programs, including Providence and UConn, to land the versatile 6-foot-5 senior from Notre Dame High School in Connecticut.

Toure averaged 25.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game last season. His strong performance earned him Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year honors. His production and athleticism helped make him one of the most sought-after players in his class.

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Toure announced his commitment to Arkansas on Oct. 3 during a ceremony at his high school. He told Rivals that Calipari’s track record and honesty played key roles in his decision.

“I picked Arkansas because I love what coach Cal is about and to be part of a team with a real shot at winning a national championship,” Toure said. “I trust the coaches because they’re straight up with me and have a solid plan for how to help me get better and help me become the best player I can become.”

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For Calipari, known for developing NBA-ready players during his tenure at Kentucky, the commitment continues his approach to building Arkansas around high-level talent that fits his system. The signing of both Toure and Andrews signals a strong foundation for the 2026 class.

Toure’s decision reflects Calipari’s growing recruiting influence in Fayetteville. Arkansas’ early success with the 2026 class shows that the Razorbacks remain a major national presence in the recruiting landscape.

In a previous interview with On3, Toure discussed how his game has grown and what he models it after.

“I’d say my game has developed into being stronger, being able to put the ball on the floor more, and really consistent shooting,” he said. “I can really do everything and try to win. That’s all I do, try to win the game.”

Toure added that he studies NBA stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards for inspiration.

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“I really watch a lot of Shai and Ant Edwards. I watch Ant Edwards with his mentality and his physicality, the way he gets to the rim, the way he finishes above the rim. And Shai, with his pace.”

Arkansas Razorbacks coach John Calipari before a football game with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Arkansas Razorbacks coach John Calipari before a football game with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark. / Ted McClenning-allHOGS Images

That combination of skill and attitude aligns with Calipari’s player development model, which emphasizes versatility and competitiveness. Toure’s commitment gives Arkansas a player who can attack the rim, handle the ball, and defend multiple positions — traits that fit Calipari’s transition offense and aggressive defensive philosophy.

According to the Rivals Industry Ranking, Toure is rated as the No. 31 overall player in the 2026 class, the No. 14 small forward nationally, and the top player in Connecticut. His signing, along with Andrews, gives Arkansas early momentum in recruiting under Calipari, whose presence has already boosted the program’s profile with national recruits.

Both Toure and Andrews project as cornerstone pieces for the Razorbacks’ future roster, bringing a mix of scoring, athleticism, and leadership to a team expected to remain competitive in the Southeastern Conference.

Toure’s high school success and national reputation indicate he could play an early role once he arrives in Fayetteville.

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While Calipari will continue to target elite talent across multiple classes, the addition of Toure provides an example of the type of player he wants to build around — skilled, driven, and team-oriented.





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Sax star Merlon Devine joins Lupus Foundation of Arkansas to jazz up awareness month

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Sax star Merlon Devine joins Lupus Foundation of Arkansas to jazz up awareness month


Purple is the color of the month in Arkansas, and Lupus Awareness Month is bringing a busy stretch of events, including a mayoral proclamation and a smooth jazz concert featuring acclaimed saxophonist Merlon Devine.

A proclamation for Lupus Awareness Month is set for 6 p.m. in North Little Rock, with Mayor Hardwick expected to present it. Organizers encouraged lupus warriors and supporters to come out.

Anita Boone, President of the Lupus Foundation of Arkansas Inc. and a former lupus warrior, described the day-to-day reality of living with the disease: “One minute you’re feeling amazing, the next minute your body is saying we can’t do this.”

Lupus is an autoimmune disease, described during the interview as a condition where the immune system attacks the body “inside out.” It can affect organs throughout the body, including the brain, lungs, heart and kidneys. Boone also shared personal impacts, saying, “I am losing, actually, ear from hearing, just because of lupus.”

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The Lupus Foundation of Arkansas is also inviting the community to a Lupus Smooth Jazz Concert this Sunday, May 17, at 3:30 at The Space with Grace event venue, 2005 Main St., North Little Rock.

Gale Davis, committee chair for the Lupus Smooth Jazz Concert shared details about the concert.

Davis said guests are encouraged to “dress to impress,” though formalwear isn’t required. The event will include a photo backdrop, light hors d’oeuvres and beverages, and sponsored tables aimed at networking. It’s also a chance for people to meet other lupus warriors, learn more about the foundation’s work, and watch a video presentation highlighting events from the past year.

The featured artist, Merlon Devine, was described as an acclaimed saxophonist known for a soulful, smooth jazz sound, with a career spanning more than two decades and performances across the country and around the world. He’s also an Arkansas native who attended Little Rock Central High School. He now lives in Southern Maryland, outside Washington, D.C.

Davis said Devine’s connection to lupus is personal. She said his father had lupus and has since died, though he didn’t die from lupus. They also said Divine had a sister who died from lupus in 1981 and that he currently has two sisters living with lupus.

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She also shared that, according to his doctors, Devine was born with acute asthma and underdeveloped lungs. His latest single, released last year, is called “Mercy.”

Tickets must be purchased online and will not be sold at the door. They’re available online by clicking on the flyer. Prices are $40 for individual tickets, or $400 for a table of nine, with an option to sponsor a table.

Organizers also noted another proclamation is planned for the Little Rock side with Mayor Frank Scott tomorrow, and encouraged people to follow the Lupus Foundation of Arkansas on social media for updates.

The concert will take place this Sunday at the Space With Grace Venue in North Little Rock.



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A 21-year-old Arkansas man, formerly from Newaygo, died after crashing dirt bike into tree

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A 21-year-old Arkansas man, formerly from Newaygo, died after crashing dirt bike into tree


An Arkansas man died after crashing a dirt bike on Sunday.

The 21-year-old Arkansas man, formerly from Newaygo, crashed into a tree while riding a dirt bike on private property in Ashland Township near Grant on Sunday before 2:30 p.m., according to Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers.

Emergency responders tried to save his life but he died at the scene.

Troopers are still investigating but do not suspect drugs or alcohol as factors in the crash.

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MSP did not initially release any additional information.



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Arkansas softball heading to NCAA Tournament | Seed, opponent, regional info

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Arkansas softball heading to NCAA Tournament | Seed, opponent, regional info


FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas softball will once again host an NCAA Regional, this time as the No. 5 overall national seed.

The Razorbacks (42-11) will be the top seed in Fayetteville and open the tournament against fourth-seeded Fordham (27-26) at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15.

Washington (36-18) is the two-seed and will face three-seed South Florida (42-15) that same day inside Bogle Park.

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Arkansas is paired with the Durham Regional hosted by Duke (39-14) for a potential super regional. Arizona (35-16), Marshall (37-17) and Howard (28-17) are joining the Blue Devils in the regional.

This is the sixth consecutive season the Razorbacks will host a regional. It is also the program’s eighth straight NCAA Tournament berth under coach Courtney Deifel. Arkansas has reached the NCAA tournament 14 times, and more than half of those appearances have come under Deifel.

Arkansas ended the season No. 1 in the RPI despite finishing seventh in the SEC standings. The Hogs were eliminated by Alabama in the conference tournament quarterfinals.

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Last year, Arkansas lost to SEC rival Ole Miss in the Super Regionals. The Hogs fell one win shy of reaching the Women’s College World Series for the first time in program history. They are hoping to take that elusive next step this summer and book a trip to Oklahoma City in two weeks time.

Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@usatodayco.com or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter. 



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