With the success of the men’s basketball program Razorback during its run to fame from the late 70s to the early 90s, they never burst into talent. Eric Musselman scouted VERY well during his time in Arkansas and this could very well be the season he gets out of it.
The interesting thing is that the Hogs have never seen more than four players taken in a single NBA draft. Only three times have the Hogs seen three or more drafts.
1979: Marvin Delph, Steve Schall and Sidney Moncreif
1982: Tony Brown, Scott Hastings and Keith Peterson
1992: Todd Day, Oliver Miller, Lee Mayberry, Isaiah Morris
Currently, the Hogs have five potential picks in the upcoming NBA Draft. Here’s where they’re mocked by Bleacher Reports, @NBADraftWass:
4: Nick Smith-Pacers
Height: 6’5″
Lester: 185 pounds
Wingspan: 6’9″
Comparison: CJ McCollum, Jamal Murray, D’Angelo Russell
“With Tyrese Haliburton providing the Indiana Pacers with quality decision-making, passing and shooting, Nick Smith could add more creation and score his shooting skills on three levels.
Unstable off the dribble, dangerous for his shooting and flotation and capable of making play in a setup role, he looks like the early favorite to exit the board first among college applicants.
Smith’s advantage in creation indicates potential as a head guard, although his 6’5″ height and versatility of skill set suggests he will be easily interchangeable and compatible with another ball handler like Haliburton.”
18: Anthony Black – Pacers
“NBA teams will view Black as an interchangeable 6’7 point guard or winger,” given his unique playing IQ, defensive speed and anticipation. Looking proficient enough as a shooter should earn him an invite to the 2023 Green Room.”
34: Trevon Brazile – Sacramento Kings
“After transferring and impressing on Arkansas’ exhibition tour overseas, Brazile feels ready for an escape that showcases athletic finishing, touch of paint and some shooting potential.”
58: Ricky Board-Suns
“After transfer from Wichita State, the 6’6″ board frame, athleticism and pulling shot for iso score might look more believable against SEC opponents.”
The human highlight reel, Jordan Walch, was not included in the draft Bleacher report. However, the McDonald’s All-American came in at No. 26 in the ESPN rankings.
The Arkansas Razorbacks begin their season with a home contest with North Dakota State University on November 9, 2022.