Nick Smith Jr. could make Arkansas basketball debut this week
Arkansas guard Nick Smith Jr. has yet to play for the Razorbacks this year, a knee injury keeping him out of action and most of full-speed practice.
Razorbacks coach Eric Musselman said Saturday ahead of Arkansas’ game with Troy on Monday, though, that Smith’s practice intensity has increased in recent days and the five-star freshman is scheduled to meet with the doctor again Monday. Musselman was clear that Smith had not been fully cleared as of Saturday.
“He’s starting to do some team stuff again,” Musselman said. “Obviously, (Saturday) we’ll be able to get a little bit more active. Certainly, (Sunday) will be more active than even today. He’s moving in the right direction for sure.”
Arkansas is 5-1 this year with the lone loss coming in an instant classic in the semifinals of the Maui Invitational to No. 8 Creighton.
Smith only makes the 10th-ranked Razorbacks better. He is projected lottery pick with some sites labeling him as a top-three overall choice when the NBA draft rolls around in April.
The Razorbacks meanwhile have been led by freshman guard Anthony Black and transfer forwards Ricky Council and Trevon Brazile. Black is averaging 14.2 points and 5.3 rebounds to go along with a team-high 14 steals and is tied for the team lead with 21 assists.
Council leads the team in scoring at 19 a game and in minutes at 36.5. Brazile is third on the team in scoring at 13.3 and leads with 7.8 rebounds a game.
Arkansas hosts Troy on Monday from Bud Walton Arena and plays San Jose State on Saturday from Fayetteville in its two games this week.
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