Eric Musselman reacts to multiple Arkansas players being drafted

Arkansas was a winner of the 2023 NBA Draft as they led the proceedings with three selections in Anthony Black, Nick Smith Jr., and Jordan Walsh. Considering all things, Eric Musselman couldn’t help but be ecstatic about what it mean for those former ‘Hogs as well as the Razorback program.

Musselman applauded the accomplishment in a press conference on Monday. He said that it’s obviously a big deal back in Fayetteville. With that said, it’s even more so considering all three were members of Arkansas’ No. 2 recruiting class in 2022.

“I mean it’s great for our program when one player gets drafted, let alone when you have a lottery pick, a first round pick, and then an early second round pick,” Musselman said. “And they you add in the fact that all three were one and dones? (It’s) a great day for everybody…Just a phenomenal day.”

“We had the most players selected in the draft,” said Musselman. “For all three of those guys to be freshman really makes it special.”

Black became Arkansas’ highest NBA Draft selection since Joe Kleine in 1985 as he went sixth overall to the Orlando Magic. Smith Jr. followed after as the No. 27 pick by the Charlotte Hornets. Finally, Jordan Walsh became the Razorback’s third pick of the night, and the program’s sixth overall since Musselman took over, as he went 38th overall to the Boston Celtics.

However, one more ‘Hog did end up in the NBA. Ricky Council IV ended up signing a two-way contract with Philadelphia following the NBA Draft. In his press conference, Musselman made sure to not let that slip through the cracks either.

“And then really, really happy that Rick Council got his two-way immediately after the draft,” said Musselman. “That showed the commitment by Philly and the excitement that the 76ers have in Ricky.”

Arkansas has been one of college basketball’s most successful programs since Musselman took over with three straight appearance in the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament. If he can now add draft success to his recruiting pitch as well, even more talent might head on over to Bud Walton Arena as his tenure continues.

What NBA Draft experts are saying about Anthony Black

Leading up to the draft, analysts pegged Black, the Arkansas product, as a high-to-mid lottery selection. His current player comparisons are Cade Cunningham, Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels.

“Black is an excellent on-ball defender and a willing passer. (He) prefers to set up teammates rather than create his own shot. His size is his biggest asset,” according to RotoWire. “Black is essentially a point guard with the body of a wing. (That) enables him to work over and around defenders with ease.

“He’s a good finisher at the rim and an above-average athlete. Operating as a playmaker in the pick-and-roll is where he’s most comfortable. At this stage in his development, Black is not a great three-point or free-throw shooter. Developing confidence and better mechanics will be a priority.”