Arkansas' Nick Smith Jr. primed to be difference-maker

Arkansas Razorbacks commit Nick Smith Jr. Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Top NBA prospect Nick Smith Jr. primed to be difference-maker for Arkansas

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 10/12/22

With the top two prospects in next year's NBA Draft playing overseas and in the NBA G League, Arkansas freshman guard Nick Smith Jr. will have plenty of time in the spotlight as the highest-ranked prospect playing college basketball.

let’s go it’s time pic.twitter.com/tN4g2LqpcZ
— Nick Smith Jr (@ntsmith1402) October 8, 2022

Per The Sporting News, Smith Jr. ranks as the third-best prospect in next year's NBA draft behind Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson, who impressed scouts, fans, and NBA players with their play in exhibitions Oct. 4 and 6 in Henderson, Nevada.

Fans and scouts will see Smith Jr. during the Razorbacks' Red vs. White scrimmage on Sunday.

Smith Jr. was the No. 1 recruit out of high school, per 247 Sports. Footage shows why NBA scouts are so high on his potential.

I'm excited to see what strides Nick Smith Jr. makes at Arkansas this season. Big believer in his scoring potential and already love the craft he has, especially with how he attacks the in-between game. This Razorbacks team is going to be appointment viewing. pic.twitter.com/C7uHavLh1P
— Evan Wheeler (@Evzsz) October 11, 2022

Smith Jr. already shows a nice touch with his floater, and his high point of release on jump shots gives him a clear path to the basket. Smith Jr.'s size -- he stands 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan -- makes him primed to have an immediate impact on the Razorbacks.

Per ESPN, Arkansas ranks as the ninth-best team entering the season and projects as a No. 3 seed in March Madness.

Arkansas reached the Elite Eight in 2021 and 2022. Smith Jr. hopes to be the piece to take the team to the next stage.

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