Arkansas Pursues Top Guard Jordan Smith Jr. with Official Visit
Highly-touted prospect sets sights on Fayetteville, joining strong recruiting class
Arkansas coach John Calipari is making a significant push for elite talent, with top-ranked guard Jordan Smith Jr. slated for an official visit to the Razorbacks’ campus. This visit marks a crucial step in Calipari’s ongoing efforts to build a powerhouse program.
A Glimpse at the Next Generation of Talent
Ranked the No. 2 overall prospect by 247Sports, Smith Jr. is scheduled to visit Arkansas the weekend of September 20th. His recruitment is heating up, with visits also planned for Kentucky’s Big Blue Madness and further trips to Duke and Louisville before he makes his decision.
The Razorbacks are in a strong position for 5-star guard Jordan Smith Jr. who is set to visit Fayetteville on the weekend of September 20th. https://t.co/x5zR5Gv7oI
— KSR (@PolacheckKSR) July 16, 2024
During Nike EYBL play, Smith Jr. showcased his impressive all-around game, averaging over 20 points, four assists, and two steals per contest. His remarkable efficiency is further highlighted by his current No. 4 player efficiency rating of 139.
Calipari’s Proven Track Record
Coach Calipari is renowned for his ability to develop elite point guards, transforming them into NBA-ready talent. His past successes include nurturing stars like Dajuan Wagner, Derrick Rose, John Wall, DeAaron Fox, Eric Bledsoe, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Smith Jr., a 6-foot-2, 200-pound combo guard, possesses the versatility to play either backcourt position, though his natural inclination and long-term potential lean towards a primary point guard role. His physical strength allows him to absorb contact effectively and navigate through traffic, particularly in ball-screen situations.
His game thrives in transition, where his speed and passing vision are on full display, evidenced by his array of no-look passes. While his shooting is already solid, increased consistency could elevate his offensive game further.
Smith Jr. is also an active presence on the boards, using his athleticism and anticipation to secure rebounds. This all-around effort on both ends of the court makes him a compelling prospect.
Building for the Future: The 2026 Class
The Razorbacks’ 2026 recruiting class currently features one commitment: 4-star shooting guard JJ Andrews from Little Rock. Andrews recently led his Brad Beal Elite team to a Peach Jam victory for the second consecutive year.
Andrews is currently recognized as the No. 13 overall player in the nation and the top prospect in Arkansas for his class, according to 247Sports. He joins a recruiting class that also includes highly-rated prospects such as No. 1 overall Tyran Stokes, No. 8 Miika Murinen, and No. 11 Tay Kinney.
Tay Kinney, a 5-star guard from Atlanta’s Overtime Elite, has also scheduled his official visit to Arkansas for the weekend of September 26th. Kinney demonstrated his scoring prowess as a junior, averaging over 20 points, five assists, and four rebounds per game, with efficient shooting percentages.
