Babb chooses Razorbacks

Guard Nick Babb can hit the outside jumper and finish strong to the basket.

Shooting guard Nick Babb orally committed to Arkansas on Saturday, choosing the Razorbacks over scholarship offers from approximately 10 other schools.

“When I went up to Fayetteville for the first time, I just loved everything about it,” said Babb, who visited Arkansas on June 11. “I just like Coach [Mike] Anderson, the way he plays. He likes to get up and down the court. I like to play fast-paced.”

Anderson’s history of turning programs into winners also was a factor in Babb’s decision. While on campus, he was able to interact with players and has continued to talk to forward Keaton Miles and point guard DeQuavious Wagner.

“Oh, I loved it,” Babb said. “I got along immediately with the players. I’ve been talking to Keaton Miles, who just transferred over there, and I’ve been talking a lot about it. We just get along real well. I talked to Dee, the little point guard. I’ve been talking to him a lot.

“It’s just good knowing I can go up there and get along with the players right off the bat.”

Van Coleman, national director of basketball scouting for Hot100Hoops.com, said Babb is an athletic wing player who brings a diverse game.

“He has the handle and the ability to create his shot or drive,” Coleman said. “He has the length and quickness to defend on the perimeter. He will add immediate help on both ends as a freshman.”

Arkansas associate head coach Melvin Watkins was the first to contact Babb and perked his interest in the Hogs.

“I talked to Coach Watkins a lot,” Babb said. “He’s that guy that actually got me interested in Arkansas.”

Babb said the coaches would be make an in-home visit in September and that he plans to take his official visit to Fayetteville during the month. His father, Mike, accompanied him on his visit in June and will do so for his official visit along with mother, Nikki.

Babb said his father is also sold on the Razorbacks.

“He liked how Arkansas is in the SEC, one of the best conferences in basketball right now,” Babb said. “He just liked the competition I could be playing in, and he likes the Arkansas program. He likes Coach Anderson, likes what he’s trying to do with the program.”

Babb is Arkansas’ third commitment for the 2014 class along with point guard Anton Beard of North Little Rock and forward Trey Thompson of Forrest City.

Oral commitments are nonbinding.

Sports, Pages 25 on 08/11/2013