Breaking: Arkansas lands Top-five senior Nick Smith Jr.

The state of Arkansas has an elite prospect growing right in their backyard.

His name is Nick Smith Jr. and he told Stockrisers.com that he’s committing to Eric Musselman and the Arkansas Razorbacks. The 6-foot-5 combo guard is the first five-star since 2013 [Bobby Portis] to choose the University of Arkansas, and oh boy, did they just get an elite prospect.

Smith Jr. was battling a wrist injury all summer long but still was one of Peach Jam’s most impactful performers. He averaged 17.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and shot nearly 47% from the field, and helped lead Bradley Beal Elite to a Peach Jam finals appearance. 

In that very finals game, he scored 31 points, but BBE fell just short but Smith Jr. was spectacular. That performance helped him make EYBL’s second team at the event. 

He will be attending North Little Rock this season, a squad that has tons of talent but Smith Jr. will continue to play his game and is primed for a huge senior season. Now, let’s discuss the reason we’re here, he chose his final destination: Arkansas.

“I’m staying home,” Smith Jr. told Stockrisers.com with tons of excitement. 

Why?

“I felt like it was a good fit for me and my family. Just talking to Muss and the coaching staff about my game and talking about getting to the NBA was really what went down to it. And also staying home so my family can see my play, and the Arkansas love is crazy.”

What sealed the deal?

”Just talking to him about the situation I'm going to be put in and he let me know from the jump if I play for him I’m going to be in a great situation. Also in talking to my parents about it, then I was more comfortable committing to Arkansas.”

How was your official?

”The visit was cool. I was very familiar with the campus already so I kind of knew my way already.”

Who will you recruit and who are you looking forward to playing with?

”Just know we got players coming. If Devo stays, I hope he has a good year and goes live out his dreams and help his family knowing his situation, but if he stays, I’ll say him because he and I grew up together playing in Jacksonville, Arkansas, and we know each other from the back of our hands so it’ll be fun playing with him again if I can.”