Report: Highly touted Arkansas freshman Nick Smith out vs. North Dakota State

Eric Musselman has Arkansas feeling as good as any team in college basketball this year, hoping to compete for a championship. Thanks to his ability to work the transfer portal and the No. 3 recruiting class brought in, expectations are high for the Razorbacks this season.

Guard Nick Smith Jr. was the top-ranked guy Musselman brought in this cycle, with Arkansas fans eagerly waiting to see him in action. They will have to wait a bit longer, with Smith reportedly out of the season opener against North Dakota State.

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According to Jeff Goodman of Stadium, Smith is dealing with a “minor knee injury” and cannot play for Arkansas on Monday night. Goodman said there is no serious concern over the freshman’s long-term health, saying Smith “shouldn’t miss much time.”

Arkansas will begin the season ranked inside the top 10 in the AP poll, just squeaking in at No. 10. Kentucky is the only SEC team ranked higher, although Tennessee is a spot behind the Razorbacks. Smith and his ability are a huge factor in the lofty preseason ranking under Musselman.

Smith was ranked the No. 3 player coming out of high school by the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting services. He attended North Little Rock High School, being an in-state win for Musselman. The hope is the high school projection translates well in the college game, leading the Razorbacks and possibly winning some hardware.

Of course, those are goals for the future. For now, getting his knee healthy and back on the court as soon as possible is priority No. 1. Once Smith is able to make his full debut, one of the top freshmen in the country will get to showcase his talents.