Adou Thiero slams alley-oop dunk over BAL defender, Antonio Reeves assists

Kentucky is beginning to run away with another game in the 2023 GLOBL JAM — and Adou Thiero might’ve slammed down the difference-maker.

The Wildcat sophomore soared above the rim while teammate Antonio Reeves lobbed a perfect pass. Thiero slammed it down with authority on the BAL (Basketball Africa League) defender.

Thiero continues to improve, and you won’t want to miss this one. Check out the highlight slam below:

ADOU ON THEIR HEAD! pic.twitter.com/eCqPy8XccF

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) July 15, 2023

Thiero played sparingly as a true freshman at Kentucky in 2022. He finished the season having averaged 2.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.5 steals per game in just under 10 minutes a night in 20 total appearances as a freshman.

Regardless of the outcome, Kentucky is already set to participate in the GLOBL JAM’s championship game on Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcasted live on CBS Sports Network.

John Calipari discusses growth of Adou Thiero

As of three weeks ago, Kentucky had just two non-freshmen on their basketball team rising sophomores Adou Thiero and Ugonna Onyenso. Thiero and Onyenso have to take big leaps and contribute much more than they did as freshmen.

John Calipari shared the exciting update on Thiero as part of his recent press conference. He revealed that Thiero may still be growing. When he did play, though, his bulldog approach and physicality really showed through and, this offseason, he’s only further bulked up.

“You have Adou, who’s looking more and more physically like his dad, who I coached. He’s probably near 6’7 now and he could play multiple positions, probably three and four.”

That’s a big admission from Calipari that Thiero could play the four. If has taken another step physically, he is capable of playing the four as a versatile piece for the ‘Cats. Don’t sleep on him eventually taking that spot, if we’re to believe these rave reviews:

“But he’s way more confident,” continued Cal. “So yes, he’s better and he is living in the gym. He learned a year ago you have to spend time at this, it doesn’t just happen. It’s not just games, it’s about the preparation. So he’s been great, yes.”

As far as this upcoming season, Thiero sees his growth as giving him more of a defensive advantage. He thinks he’ll be able to provide a lot of versatility on that end because of his ability to switch around and guard multiple positions.

“I think it will help me guard multiple positions and just be a good defender all around. To be able to guard the one, two, three, four. And, if I’ve got to switch on to the five, I’ll be able to guard him for a little bit.”