After Nick Smith’s announcement Thursday he’s headed to pros that won’t be last of freshmen expecting to announce intentions.
With one player leaving, Hogs’ Eric Musselman got some good news
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — While it’s a good guess Arkansas coach Eric Musselman probably knew all these moves in advance and now they are starting to come out.
Trevon Brazile’s announcement on social media he will be coming back was good news Thursday afternoon.
https://twitter.com/trevonbrazile2/status/1641526315793653765
Especially after Nick Smith Jr. had earlier in the day announced he was heading to the NBA, but exactly where he lands in all that is for others to figure out later.
He is returning for his junior season with the Razorbacks inext season and announced via his social media on Thursday. The news comes as a major boost for the Razorbacks, who now have a foundation piece to build the roster around this spring.
Brazile, a native of Springfield (Mo.), was one of college basketball’s breakout performers in the early portions of the season as he skyrocketed up draft boards and over helpless defenders as a human highlight-reel for the Hogs before sustaining a season-ending ACL tear on Dec. 6.
In nine games, Brazile averaged 11.8 points, 6 rebounds and more than one block, assist and steal per contest. He shot 48.1 percent from the field, 37.1 percent from beyond the arc and 67.7 percent from the charity stripe.
The Hogs would have been better through some rough stretches when they desperately needed somebody who could step up and knock down shots.
He had a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double in his Razorback debut against North Dakota State on Nov. 7. He had 20 points, including a trio of three-pointers, and nine rebounds in the Hogs’ overtime win against San Diego State at the Maui Invitational and finished with a season-high 23 points in his final full game of the season against San Jose State on Dec. 3.
Halftime Pod Presented By Eastside Liquor- March 30, 2023
Guests- Bob Holt & Clay Henry MLB Opening Day! New Rules; Nick Smith Jr. Declares for NBA Draft
Clay Henry on Arkansas Derby, what coaches seeing in early spring practice
Sam Pittman and staff liking what they see from Jacolby Criswell as backup quarterback for KJ Jefferson in early workouts.
RECRUITING THURSDAY: Democrat-Gazette’s Richard Davenport on changes
Find players in the transfer portal has made things different in college sports these days and and awfully busy.
Democrat-Gazette’s Tom Murphy on pro day, MLB starting, injuries
With some dings and injury scares, getting through spring practice without losing anyone for season important factor.
Razorbacks coach Dave Van Horn looking ahead to Alabama series
Crimson Tide coming to Fayetteville with solid team that will pose challenges for Hogs on another SEC matchup.
HALFTIME IS LIVE. MLB season starts today, Nick Smith declares for NBA draft
11:15 – Bob Holt
MLB Opening Day! New Rules; Nick Smith Jr. Declares for NBA Draft; Call or text, 877-377-6963
To no one’s surprise, Nick Smith Jr. is gone on to NBA
It really isn’t a story that Nick Smith Jr. is going to the NBA.
He handled it correctly, it’s we in the media that will blow it into a story. Smith handled it in a social media post, which is exactly what it is.
to be continued… pic.twitter.com/LHNtENx2ta
— Nick Smith Jr (@lif3nick) March 30, 2023
At this point it’s just a simple announcement. Nobody really expected anything different, which would have been the biggest story of the month right here just before April Fool’s Day.
Some will be grateful it’s finally official because they didn’t really expect him to be around for a second season. He didn’t waste any time being merciful and now Razorbacks coach Eric Musselman can proceed with putting things together for next season.
There will be more players coming and more leaving. We don’t know the status of Anthony Black, who is also in some NBA projections to be among the top 10 picks of June’s annual cattle auction of players.
It’s a grown man’s decision and we won’t know the answer for several years. Making quick decisions at the age these kids do has effects that don’t show up sometimes until they are in the 50’s or 60’s.
What you make now isn’t as important as how much they stil have in 50 years.
Musselman is already working on the roster. That much is guaranteed. We don’t need any type of press conference or announcement to know it.
And apparently there are players out there wanting to be Razorbacks.
Bud Light Next Morning Rush Podcast: Opening Day is here
Tye and Tommy talk MLB, Arkansas athletics and more! Richard Davenport, Tom Murphy and Clay Henry join the show!
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