Nick Smith Jr., Arkansas freshman, announces plans for 2023-24 season

Nick Smith Jr. has announced plans for next season as the Arkansas freshman guard thanked the fans, coaching staff and teammates.

“This year has been an incredible journey, and I am grateful for all the love and support I have received from my hometown and all the hog fans,” Smith wrote. “I want to express my gratitude to [Coach Eric Musselman] and the entire coaching staff, who believed in my abilities and allowed me the chance to play for Arkansas.”

Coming out of North Little Rock High School, Smith a year ago was the top-rated high school prospect by 247Sports and consensus top-3 player in the country. Smith, who averaged 26 minutes per game, averaged 12.5 points per game after he played in 17 games and started 14. He battled a knee injury earlier in the season that caused him to miss time.

Smith, a projected lottery pick, shared on social media that he would declare for the NBA Draft.

For the season, Smith shot 37.6% and 33.8% from 3-point range. Some of his highlights included 26 points against Georgia, 25 against Kentucky and 24 at Alabama.

to be continued… pic.twitter.com/LHNtENx2ta

— Nick Smith Jr (@lif3nick) March 30, 2023

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.