Adou Thiero a "really good player," but better teammate at Kentucky

Kentucky freshman guard Adou Thiero is making a strong first impression on his teammates during his first few weeks in Lexington, and it’s not limited to his play on the floor.

Thiero’s backcourtmate, Sahvir Wheeler, says the 6-foot-5 guard has turned heads with his work ethic. If those gym doors are unlocked — and sometimes even when they’re not — Thiero is getting shots up.

“Super hard worker, in the gym constantly,” Wheeler told KSR on Friday. “I got here a few days late (getting on campus), but everybody else was talking about how he’s always in the gym. There were a couple camps going on, so he couldn’t be in the gym, but he was off to the side goals getting free throws. I was like, ‘Adou, you can’t be in the gym! You’re going to get in trouble!’ He’s like, ‘Nah man, I’ve got to get ready! I’ve got to get ready!’ Definitely a hard worker.”

Beyond his work ethic, he’s also a great teammate who is enjoyable to be around at all times, says Wheeler.

“Definitely pleasant to be around, super nice,” Wheeler added. “Any time he walks into a place where there are people around, he’s always saying ‘Hey, what’s up? You OK?’ Or ‘What’s up Sahvir? You good?’ Things of that nature, just a great teammate off the bat.”

What about his basketball abilities? Those have impressed early, as well. Wheeler says Thiero is an all-around player, a “really good” one at that. He’s someone who will help the Wildcats win games early.

“On the court, he’s good, really good,” Wheeler told KSR. “He’s athletic, can do a little bit of everything. That’s the kind of stuff that we need. Great teammates, guys willing to compete and continue to get better. Players who can impact us and help us win games.”

Thiero, ranked No. 256 overall in the 2022 On3 Consensus, chose Kentucky over offers from Cincinnati, Maryland, Pittsburgh and Xavier, among others, back in May. Known as a two-way standout with great size at 6-foot-5, 180 pounds, it was a piece UK coach John Calipari was excited to add.

“I am excited to have Adou join our program. He is a great kid who comes from a terrific family,” Calipari said. “Adou is a winner who fought through some adversity last summer and then led his team to the state championship game. Much like Dom (Hawkins) and Derek (Willis), Adou understands the grind and process of development here.

“He knows nothing will be easy, but he has great size and has the makeup of the kind of guard who excels here, someone who can play on the ball or off and can finish at the rim in a variety of ways. I can’t wait to coach him and help him reach his goals.”

Thiero averaged 23.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 3.9 steals and 2.3 blocks per game as a senior, leading Quaker Valley (PA) to a 27-1 record and a 14-0 mark in league play. With his father, Almamy, a former player under Calipari at Memphis, Thiero always dreamed of playing at Kentucky.

“Ever since I went to my first Kentucky men’s basketball camp I’ve wanted to go to Kentucky,” Thiero said. “My whole life I’ve been working to get here and when I got this opportunity, I knew I was going to take it because I just liked how Coach Cal is able to develop guys into pro players. He has always been great to his players and my dad played for him, so he had great things to say about him.

“I know Coach Cal and the staff will be able to help me get to where I want to be. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I can’t wait to get on campus and work to improve my game and help make this team better.”