FAYETTEVILLE – Arkansas continues to make its mark in professional basketball, with 11 former Razorbacks appearing on NBA rosters as the 2026-27 season tipped off this week. This marks the third consecutive year that Arkansas has seen 11 of its alumni begin the season in the league.
The Razorbacks rank second among Southeastern Conference (SEC) programs in NBA representation this year and are one of only 10 collegiate programs nationally to have double-digit players on NBA opening day rosters.
The former Arkansas players currently in the league include:
- **Darius Acuff Jr. (#5), Sacramento Kings** - **Anthony Black (#0), Orlando Magic** - **Trevon Brazile (#7), Denver Nuggets** - **Daniel Gafford (#21), Dallas Mavericks** - **Isaiah Joe (#17), Detroit Pistons** - **Moses Moody (#4), Golden State Warriors** - **Bobby Portis (#95), Miami Heat** - **Meleek Thomas (#15), Cleveland Cavaliers** - **Jordan Walsh (#27), Boston Celtics** - **Jaylin Williams (#6), Oklahoma City Thunder**
The success of Arkansas talent contributes to head coach John Calipari's achievement of having 27 players across the league at the start of the season. No other active college coach has more players currently in the NBA. Gonzaga’s Mark Few ranks second with 12 players. Of Calipari's 27 players, 23 developed during his tenure at Kentucky.
For context, other collegiate programs with strong NBA representation include Duke and Kentucky, both tied with 26 players, followed by Arizona, which has 16.
Collectively, players coached by Calipari will earn an estimated $637 million in salary this season, with seven of them making over $40 million annually.
Razorback fans will have the chance to see the current team in action this Saturday, Oct. 24, when Arkansas faces Gonzaga in an exhibition game at Bud Walton Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on SEC Network Plus.