FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Razorbacks coach John Calipari has added the 12th player to his inaugural roster. Northpoint Christian School guard Ayden Kelley announced his decision to join Arkansas on Wednesday night after a visit.
The 6-foot-11, 180-pound guard averaged 19 points, four rebounds and four assists as a senior. He finished last season shooting 40 percent from the field and 31 percent from three.
Kelley is the son of former Memphis guard Antonio Burks. He played three seasons with Calipari from 2001-04.
His other father is former Tennessee Volunteers star point guard Tony Harris. He was a McDonald’s All-American coming out of high school in Memphis and played for Tennessee from 1997 to 2001. Kelley credits both men with helping him realize his dreams of playing college basketball.
“The opportunity to play at Arkansas came through both of my dads,” Kelley said. “My blood father, Antonio Burks, who played for Coach Calipari. My other dad, Antonio (Tony) Harris, who played for the Volunteers. He was the No. 1 point guard in his class.
“I had a lot of contacts. By God’s will I was lucky enough to be able to play here.”
When it comes to the exact role Calipari wants from his newest addition, his new coach kept it simple.
“Coach Calipari’s plan for me is to be the best version of myself,” Kelley said. “Being comfortable when I’m uncomfortable.”
Kelley’s comfort zone will be challenged by playing in one of the toughest leagues in college basketball. He will face NBA talent every day, whether in practice or in games.
“It means a lot to be able to play in the SEC,” Kelley said. “I get to test myself and feel the atmosphere of being a freshman.”
Kelley is a solid shooter with a consistent shot. He sees the court well and can get to the rim with ease, often able to finish while absorbing contact.
He is not excessively tall, but he makes up for it with great speed with or without the ball in his hands.
“I’m a three-level scorer,” Kelley said. “I can shut down the defense and make plays for other guys to get involved.”
Arkansas has added three players to its roster who wouldn’t normally be considered “non-scholarship players.” Junior guard Melo Sanchez and freshman Jaden Karuletwa will join Kelley as role players critical to the health of Calipari’s program.
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