Arkansas basketball has successfully secured a commitment from four-star forward Abdou Toure. On Friday, Toure chose the Razorbacks over strong contenders UConn and Providence.
Background on Abdou Toure
Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 185 pounds, Toure hails from West Haven, Connecticut. He plays for Notre Dame High School and has been a target for Arkansas for over a year. The Razorbacks focused their recruiting efforts on him, making his commitment a priority.
Recruitment Journey
- Abdou Toure was initially offered a scholarship by Arkansas more than a year ago.
- Assistant coach Chuck Martin led the recruitment, demonstrating dedication by traveling approximately 6,000 miles to Istanbul, Turkey, to observe Toure at the 17-under FIBA World Cup.
- Coach John Calipari and assistant Brad Calipari also played significant roles in his recruitment.
During his recruitment, Toure spoke with Kirk Kirsch from Pro Insight, emphasizing that Arkansas’s consistent support was a decisive factor in his choice. He stated that Coach Calipari’s track record for developing NBA talent greatly influenced his decision.
Official Visits and Family Support
Toure’s family, including his uncle Salif Boudie, who played for Arkansas State from 2016 to 2019, were present during his official visit to Fayetteville from September 12-14. He had previously visited Arkansas unofficially during an LSU football game.
Recruitment Competitors
Prior to his decision, Toure announced a top seven that included Arkansas, Maryland, Providence, Oregon, Louisville, Florida State, and Connecticut on August 20. Ultimately, Arkansas emerged as his final choice.
Toure’s Performance and Accolades
- ESPN ranks Toure as the 13th small forward in the nation and the 31st overall prospect.
- He was named the “2024-25 Connecticut MaxPreps Player of the Year” for the second consecutive season.
- Toure averaged impressive statistics: 25.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.3 steals per game.
- He achieved a field goal percentage of 61.3%, along with shooting 34.3% from three-point range and 74.2% from the free-throw line.
Toure’s talent and work ethic have garnered attention. ESPN national recruiting director Paul Biancardi highlighted his explosive athleticism and significant improvement in ball skills.
Future with Arkansas
Abdou Toure represents another addition to the Arkansas roster, joining five-star prospect JaShawn “JJ” Andrews, who committed in May. Toure’s arrival builds excitement for the upcoming seasons for the Razorbacks as they enhance their competitive edge.
