Star Arkansas freshman Nick Smith is anticipated to return to the Razorbacks’ lineup Saturday in opposition to Mississippi State, CBS Sports activities’ Matt Norlander confirms. Smith has performed in simply 5 video games this season however is averaging 12.8 factors per contest after rating because the No. 1 total prospect within the Class of 2022, per 247Sports.
The 6-foot-5 guard left the courtroom indefinitely in December what the college termed “proper knee administration” and has not performed since Dec. 17. Smith additionally missed the season’s first six video games due to a knee concern. Collectively, the knee issues forged Smith’s future with the staff into query as he’s thought of a possible lottery choose within the 2023 NBA Draft regardless. Smith ranks No. 7 in CBS Sports activities’ NBA Draft Prospect Rankings and went at No. 4 to the Charlotte Hornets in Kyle Boone’s most up-to-date mock draft.
The return of Smith is welcome information for the Razorbacks (17-7, 6-5 SEC), who’re projected as a No. 10 seed in Jerry Palm’s Bracketology however thought of a bubble staff. Along with the extended absence of Smith, Arkansas additionally misplaced beginning heart Trevon Brazille for the season in December due to a knee damage.
Regardless of the accidents, the Razorbacks have began rounding into type not too long ago with 5 victories of their final six video games, together with a Quad-1 victory at Kentucky on Tuesday. Nonetheless, offense has been a priority at instances for the Razorbacks, who rank 352nd nationally with simply 4.9 made 3-pointers per sport coming into Saturday’s motion. Smith’s versatile offensive sport ought to open issues up for the Razorbacks down the stretch.