After 5 minutes of college basketball play, is Arkansas’ Nick

Last week at the Maui Invitational, Arkansas appeared like a possible Final 4 team. The Razorbacks lost by simply three indicate Creighton, then beat San Diego State in overtime to protect 3rd location at the event. It was a favorable sign for the ceiling of a newcomer-heavy team still figuring things out.And now, coach Eric Musselman is including perhaps the nation’s finest NBA prospect to the fold.Nick Smith

Jr., the No. 3-ranked hire in the 2022 class, missed out on the first six games of the season out of preventative measure over his ideal knee, however he played five minutes in Arkansas’ win over Troy on Monday. He’s set to increase his minutes this weekend versus San José State, and there’s optimism he’s not far from being 100% healthy.The 6-foot-5

guard from Arkansas is No. 4 in ESPN’s 2023 NBA draft rankings– the highest-ranked prospect currently playing college basketball. Is he the player to press the Razorbacks into the Last Four after back-to-back Elite 8 appearances?He’s an elite offending player When he is fully healthy, Smith immediately turns into one of the best scorers in college basketball. Down the line in the NBA, he likely projects as more of a main playmaker, but at the college level, he’ll be tasked with scoring at a high clip. He enhanced his hiring stock the summer season prior to his senior year of high school, separating himself due to the fact that of his size, length and capability to make shots.2 Related”It’s his shot production,”a college coach who hunted Smith said.”The best players in the NBA are guards that can produce their own. He can get pails in a wide variety of methods.” Smith balanced 17.6 points and 3.0 helps on the Nike EYBL circuit with Brad Beal Elite, shooting 37.5%from 3-point range. He then headed out and had an excellent senior season, followed by standout performances on the high school all-star game circuit. His revealing at the Jordan Brand Classic– 24 points, three helps, 4-for-6 from 3– captured a great deal of attention.” He can produce his own shot, he can hit shots off the bounce, “one NBA scout in participation stated.

“This equates, this is what individuals are trying to find. He did it when the lights were switched on; he did it behind closed doors.