Arkansas
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Scout Report
When a 6-6 wing from Arkansas locks up the home state Razorbacks before his junior season even starts, you know coaches see something special. JJ Andrews has that rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ that makes defensive coordinators lose sleep.
Background
Little Rock has always been a basketball hotbed, and Andrews represents the latest talent to emerge from the Natural State capital. Coming up through the Arkansas AAU circuit, he landed at Little Rock Christian Academy where the program has built a reputation for developing college-ready players. His family kept him close to home throughout his development, letting him grow into his frame while building relationships with local coaches. That foundation paid off when Arkansas came calling early in his recruitment.
Playing Style
Andrews plays with the controlled aggression you want from a modern wing. He has the size to defend multiple positions and the handle to create his own shot when the offense stagnates. His decision-making rarely puts his team in bad spots – he knows when to attack and when to move the ball. On defense, he uses his length to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots without fouling. The kid understands spacing and how to play within a system, which is rare for someone his age. He affects winning in ways that don't always show up in the box score.
Strengths
That 6-6 frame with legitimate perimeter skills is what has college coaches calling. Andrews can shoot it from range with confidence and has the footwork to create separation off the dribble. His basketball IQ jumps off the tape – he makes the right read in transition and knows how to use screens effectively. Most impressive is his defensive versatility; he can guard wings and slide down to defend smaller forwards when needed.
Areas to Watch
Adding strength to that frame will determine how quickly he can contribute at the college level. His shot selection can be inconsistent at times – learning when to be aggressive versus when to trust his teammates will be key. Developing a more consistent pull-up game would make him nearly impossible to defend.
Player Comparison
He reminds me of a young Stanley Johnson – that same blend of size, defensive instincts, and developing offensive skills. Both players have that positional flexibility that coaches love, able to guard multiple spots while contributing on offense. Andrews has better shooting mechanics at this stage than Johnson did coming out of high school.
Recruitment
Arkansas locked him up early, and it's easy to see why they made him a priority. With 10 D1 offers including SEC and Big 12 programs like Missouri, LSU, and Oklahoma, Andrews had options across major conferences. NC State and Illinois pushed hard, but the pull of staying home and playing for Eric Musselman proved too strong. His commitment gives Arkansas a cornerstone piece for their 2026 class and shows they can still win recruiting battles against national programs.
Projection
Andrews has the tools to be a rotation player by his sophomore season in college, with the ceiling of a three-year starter who could hear his name called in the NBA Draft. His defensive versatility alone should keep him on the floor, and if the offensive game continues developing, he could be a legitimate two-way threat. Worst case scenario, he's a glue guy who helps winning programs; best case, he's a lottery pick.
Updated Apr 15, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
Arkansas
COLLEGE
Little Rock Christian Academy
PREP SCHOOL
Nike EYBL
AAU
Career Highlights
5 star recruit. No. 1 player in Arkansas. Arkansas Razorback.
JJ ANDREWS WITH THE SLAM - Warriors are up on Greenbrier by 30 at halftime 46-16
JaShawn Andrews named to Naismith Boys' High School POY Midseason Team standout
Andrews led Little Rock Christian Academy to a 74-50 win over Maumelle and finished with 36 points and 22 rebounds
Offers
10
Arkansas
Signed
Chose Arkansas over 9 other offers
Missouri
NC State
LSU
Marquette
OklahomaOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Highlights
Social Activity
I'm sorry that Tom and his business were targeted for harassment by supporters for my opponents, simply because he agreed to let me put a sign in his field. It's a school board race, folks! Seriously! https://t.co/x6epDUllV4 via @FacebookWatch
When it comes to school behavior, do our kids need more punishment in school or do they need education intervention? I share my views on this topic, which came up again at the last board meeting and is being pushed by my opponents. https://t.co/I2FZDKgH3B via @FacebookWatch
Which pair of candidates have the knowledge and experience needed to heal our school community and keep Kettle Moraine ranked as one of the best districts in the state? #kettlemoraineschooldistrict #drjjandrews #schoolboardelection https://t.co/644qHm9FWZ
We caught up with Arkansas’s very own McDonald’s All American tonight, JJ Andrews, after the Warriors big win over Greenbrier🎤