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NBA comps for three 2022 5-star Razorback recruits

By Jacob Ellerbee

Arkansas basketball recruiting 2022; Feb 26, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks commit Nick Smith Jr. is recognized along with Arkansas commit Jordan Walsh during a timeout in the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 75-73. (Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports)
Arkansas basketball recruiting 2022; Feb 26, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks commit Nick Smith Jr. is recognized along with Arkansas commit Jordan Walsh during a timeout in the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 75-73. (Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Arkansas Basketball recruiting 2022 Eric musselman
Arkansas Basketball recruiting 2022; SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 24: Head coach Eric Musselman of the Arkansas Razorbacks reacts against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen round game of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Chase Center on March 24, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Arkansas Basketball team boasts three future first round NBA picks on 2022-23 roster

The Arkansas Basketball team just wrapped on an epic 2021-22 season which saw them advance to the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Men’s March Madness tournament for the second consecutive season.

Fresh off the heels of signing high school star Anthony Black, we are already looking forward to the 2022-23 season when the Hogs will boast three 5-star recruits on their roster: Nick Smith, Jordan Walsh and Anthony Black.

For those who keep hearing the name’s of these players, but don’t know much about their abilities on the court, we’re providing NBA comparisons for each of the big three players with quick primers included from Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report.

NBA Comp for Razorback Nick Smith

Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz

Nick Smith, a native of Little Rock, has the ability to score from anywhere on the court. He can slash to the basket and finish with authority, but he also has the touch from long range.

He reminds me a lot of Utah Jazz All-Star and former Louisville standout Donovan Mitchell. They are comparable in size and skill set. You could also make a case for NBA champion and modern legend Dwayne Wade.

Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report on Smith:

"During a breakout summer and senior year, Smith showcased the most complete skill package among 2023 draft-eligible guards. Advanced self-creation, shooting versatility, floater touch and passing could help the 6’4″ combo produce big numbers at Arkansas and fuel top-three projections. Limiting the forced shots and decisions will be key for Smith, whose positional tools, scoring confidence and playmaking flashes scream NBA."

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