Smith on NABC Division I Player of the Year Watch List; #1 Impact Newcomer by ESPN
FAYETTEVILLE – Razorback freshman Nick Smith Jr., was 1-of-20 players named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches preseason watch list for the 2023 NABC Division I Player of the Year award. Also, Smith was named the nation’s #1 Impact Newcomer for the 2022-23 season by ESPN.com.
ESPN’s Jeff Borzello said of Smith, “Arguably the best NBA prospect in college basketball this season, Smith will have the ball in his hands a ton from day one. He can make 3s consistently, is an effective playmaker off the dribble and plays with intensity.”
The honors add to a long list of preseason accolades for the Jacksonville native. He has additionally been named to the Jerry West Award watch list, All-American by CBSsports and Blue Ribbon Magazine, National Newcomer of the Year, National Freshman of the Year, consensus SEC Freshman of the Year and consensus first team All-SEC.
The 2023 NABC Division I Player of the Year – selected by a vote of Division I head coaches – will be announced the week of the 2023 Men’s Final Four in Houston. Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe captured the award last season and will look to become the award’s first repeat winner since Duke’s Jason Williams in 2001 and 2002.
Arkansas will officially open the 2022-23 season on Monday (Nov. 7) versus North Dakota State. Tipoff is set for 7 pm at Bud Walton Arena.
SMITH’S PRESEASON HONORS
NABC Division I Player of the Year Watch List
Jerry West Award Watch List
All-American second team (CBSsports.com)
All-America fourth team (Blue Ribbon Magazine)
National Newcomer of the Year (Blue Ribbon Magazine)
National Freshman of the Year (CBSSports.com)
#1 on ESPN.com national Impact Newcomer list
#2 on Andy Katz/NCAA.com national Impact Freshmen list
#2 on CBSsports.com national Impact Freshmen list
SEC Freshman of the Year (CBSsports.com)
SEC Freshman of the Year (Blue Ribbon Magazine)
First Team All-SEC (media)
First Team All-SEC (coaches)
First Team All-SEC (Blue Ribbon Magazine)
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