FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas freshman guard Nick Smith will make his long-awaited debut Monday against Troy, coach Eric Musselman said on the Razorback Sports Network pre-game show.
Smith missed the Razorbacks’ first six games of the season due to knee management, according to a program release prior to Arkansas’ season opener against North Dakota State on Nov. 7. No timetable for his return was given.
"He’s had several weeks of rehab and he’s worked hard," Musselman told RSN. "His attitude on the bench has been phenomenal. He’s been like an extra coach. We’re going to ease him back into this thing. The rehab he’s done, he’s put a tremendous amount of work in with our training staff, with our strength coach, with our trainer, and he’s really excited to play."
The guard is widely considered to be among the top players in college basketball and a projected top-five pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Musselman said Saturday that Smith would meet with a doctor Monday to be evaluated.
“Nick has done a great job of late,” Musselman said Saturday. “His repetitions in practice have continued to get better and improve."
This preseason, Smith was a consensus All-SEC first-team selection, and a popular pick for freshman of the year honors by various national outlets. He was also picked as the National Newcomer of the Year by Blue Ribbon Yearbook and named a third-team All-American.
Smith is one of three 5-star freshmen at Arkansas who were McDonald's All-Americans last season, along with Anthony Black and Jordan Walsh.
Additionally, junior guard Davonte Davis “is taking some time away from basketball,” according to a statement from Musselman prior to Monday's tipoff.
“He has our full support during this time,” Musselman added.
Davis averaged 8.5 points and 2.7 rebounds during Arkansas' 5-1 start to the season.