Arkansas freshman guard Nick Smith Jr. formally declared for the 2023 NBA Draft on Thursday through his Twitter.
The 6-foot-5, 185 pound North Little Rock High School product performed 17 whole video games for the Razorbacks this previous season. He averaged 12.5 factors, 1.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per recreation as a Hog.
“This yr has been an unimaginable journey, and I’m grateful for all of the love and help I’ve acquired from my hometown and all of the Hog followers,” Smith stated in a tweet. “I need to specific my gratitude to my coach, Muss, and all the teaching workers, who believed in my skills and allowed me the prospect to play for Arkansas.
“To my teammates, who’ve been with me by means of the highs and lows of this season, thanks on your help and camaraderie. I want you all the most effective in your future endeavors, and I really like you, brothers 4L (for all times). To my household and family members, particularly my mom, father, brother and sister, I’m so grateful on your unwavering help and sacrifice. That stated, I’m excited to announce that I’m declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft.”
A McDonald’s All-American and the No. 1 general guard within the 2022 class on Rivals, Smith’s season was hampered by a lingering proper knee damage that stored him out for a number of prolonged intervals.
He did showcase why he was the No. 2 general participant within the 2022 class on Rivals with a couple of video games, akin to a 26-point efficiency in opposition to Georgia on Feb. 21 and a 24-point outing in opposition to Alabama on Feb. 25.
Smith’s postseason was a battle, as he scored simply 17 whole factors throughout Arkansas’ three video games within the NCAA Tournament. He was 6-of-23 from the sphere and had simply three rebounds throughout the three outings.
While he struggled within the postseason, Smith remains to be being mocked as a lottery decide. A current mock draft from Bleacher Report has Smith going No. 6 general to Indiana Pacers, The Ringer has him at No. 10 general to Toronto Raptors and NBADraft.Net lists him going No. 5 general to Orlando Magic.
Smith is the primary Razorback to announce his future intentions, however extra bulletins are anticipated within the coming days.
