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    Furman transfer Cooper Bowser commits to Arkansas basketball, John Calipari

    Furman transfer Cooper Bowser commits to Arkansas basketball, John Calipari
    Jackson Fuller, Fort Smith Southwest Times Record
    ·
    2 min read

    FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas basketball is off-and-running in the 2026 transfer portal window.

    John Calipari landed his first transfer commitment of the offseason when former Furman big Cooper Bowser announced his decision to join the Razorbacks on Tuesday, April 14. Bowser wrapped up his junior season with the Paladins and comes to Arkansas with one year of eligibility remaining.

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    The Virginia native had a career season in 2025-26. He averaged 13.8 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 76.6% from the floor. He also posted 1.8 assists, 1.2 blocks and 0.6 steals per game.

    Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) dunks in the first half against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
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    Arkansas basketball vs Hawaii in NCAA tournament: Photos from Portland

    Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) dunks in the first half against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

    What does Cooper Bowser bring to Arkansas basketball?

    Bowser is a versatile big who is comfortable with the ball in his hands as both a driver and passer. Furman tape shows a 6-foot-11 forward-center hybrid who likes to operate from the high post and dribble past slower defenders.

    When he gets to the rim, Bowser typically scores as an efficient two-point scorer. However, he provides no threat from 3-point range. Bowser is 0 for 3 in his career from long range.

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    As a rim protector, his athleticism helps make up for a slight frame. It will be a step up in physicality for Bowser making the move from the SoCon to the SEC.

    What it means for the Razorbacks

    Arkansas still needs more bigs, and the two largest needs still haven't been filled.

    At the least, the Hogs must add a rim protector and a stretch-four. The Razorbacks will miss Trevon Brazile's shooting, and they need an upgrade over Nick Pringle. Bowser could be the Malique Ewin replacement if Ewin does not receive an NCAA waiver for a fifth year of eligibility.

    If Ewin does get that waiver, it will be fascinating to see what Calipari does. In his first two seasons at Arkansas, the Hall of Fame coach used a three-man rotation in the frontcourt while mixing in a wing at the 4. Would a waiver for Ewin motivate Calipari to field a deeper roster? Or would Arkansas only chase one more big in the portal?

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    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. 

    This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas basketball, John Calipari add Furman transfer Cooper Bowser

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