MBB Class of 2022 Mid-year Update

January 9, 2022

The following is a breakdown of each of the Razorbacks’ Class of 2022 seasons to date and we will continue to provide updates throughout the season.

Nick Smith Jr.
6-5, 185, G
North Little Rock, Ark. (North Little Rock HS)

North Little Rock is ranked #11 in the nation by MaxPreps.com, #15 by ESPN’s SCNext Top 25 and #19 by USBasket.com.
Had two games canceled this past week due to COVID.
Named MVP of King Cotton Classic King Bracket. Led North Little Rock to the bracket championship with an 82-72 win over Beaumont United. Smith scored 33 points in the championship win. Also in the tourney, had a triple-double in an 86-59 win over Cane Ridge with 32 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in front of coaches Eric Musselman and Gus Argenal.
Was named to the All-Tournament Team in the City of Palms Classic (Dec. 27).
Upcoming games: Jan. 11 at Little Rock Southwest — Jan. 14 vs Catholic.

Jordan Walsh
6-7, 200, G/F
Desoto, Texas (Link Year (Mo.) Prep)

Link Prep is 21-0 and ranked #9 in the nation by both ESPN’s SCNext Top 25 and USBasket.com
Ended 2021 (Dec. 31) with 13 points, seven rebounds, five steals and two blocked shots to lead Link Prep to the Les Schwab Invitational championship (Hillsboro, Oregon).
Was additionally named MVP of the Les Schwab Invitational. Added a 26-points, 10-rebound performance, with three steals and three assists, in the semifinals of the Invitational.
Upcoming games: Jan. 9 at Putnam City North — Jan. 14-15 at Flying to the Hoop Tournament (Dayton, Ohio) – Jan. 17 vs Prolific Prep at HOOPHALL CLASSIC (Springfield, Mass.) on ESPNU (4:30 pm CT)

Derrian Ford
6-3, 200, G
Magnolia, Ark. (Magnolia HS)

Led Magnolia to a 67-32 win over Crossett with 19 points (8-of-11 FG) with nine rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Scored 26 points with six rebounds, six assists and a steal in an 80-64 win over Watson Chapel (Jan. 4).
Named MVP of the King Cotton Classic Creed Bracket with coaches Eric Musselman and Gus Argenal watching. Led Magnolia to the bracket championship with a 67-58 win over Little Rock Parkview. Ford scored 29 points with 14 rebounds and five assists in the win.
Upcoming games: Jan. 11 vs Monticello — Jan. 14 vs Star City — Jan. 18 at Camden Fairview

Barry Dunning Jr.
6-6, 195, F
Mobile, Ala. (McGill Toolen Catholic HS)

Had three double-doubles and was named MVP in leading his team to the title at the Allstate Sugar Bowl National Prep Classic this weekend. McGill Toolen Catholic is now 19-3. Had 15 points and 12 rebounds in the opener on Thursday and tallied his second straight double-double on Friday with 19 points and 11 rebounds. In the championship, posted 17 points and 13 rebounds, with three assists and two blocked shots, in the 59-38 win.
Led his team to a 60-24 win over Saraland (Jan. 4) with 11 points and eight rebounds.
Named MVP and led his team to the title at the William Mitchell Memorial Tournament (Dec. 30). He scored 27 points with 12 rebounds, five steals and four blocked shots to earn the honor.
Upcoming games: Jan. 11 at Saraland — Jan. 14 at Blount — Jan. 18 vs Citronelle

Joseph Pinion
6-6, 185, F
Morrilton, Ark. (Morrilton HS)

Posted 22 points in a 60-36 win over Ozark on Friday. Was 7-of-7 at the free throw line with five rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots.
Scored 15 points with eight rebounds, five assists and three steals in a 60-38 win over Heber Springs (Jan. 4).
Won the 3-point shooting contest at the Neosho Classic. Also at the Classic, scored 31 of his team’s 55 points versus Maumelle, going 13-of-18 from the field with eight rebounds.
Upcoming games: Jan. 11 at Pottsville — Jan. 14 vs Subiaco Academy. — Jan. 18 vs Clarksville