By Otis Kirk

FAYETTEVILLE -- The initial 2023 NBA Mock Draft for Bleacher Report is out and three Razorbacks are projected to be drafted in Round 1.

Jonathan Wasserman predicted the 30 first-round picks in order though no teams were assigned to the selection at this point. 

Wasserman projects Nick Smith to be the first Razorback drafted at No. 7. Wasserman wrote this about the former 6-foot-5, 185-pound North Little Rock point guard.

"Smith operates as a scoring ball-handler with an advanced in-between game and budding playmaking feel. He's a shot-maker, though shooting well from three and limiting wild decisions should maximize his chances of climbing into the top-five mix."

Wasserman then projected Anthony Black, 6-7, 195, to go No. 18. Black is a guard at Arkansas and was at Duncanville (Texas), but is projected as a small forward by Bleacher Report.

"Two-way playmaking will be Black's signature/differentiator. He may have trouble scoring in volume, but this month at the U18s, he averaged 7.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.8 steals in 19.5 minutes."

At No. 21, Wasserman has Link Year (Mo.) Academy guard-forward Jordan Walsh, 6-7, 200. Walsh is listed as a combo forward by Wasserman.

"Walsh figures to earn a lot of praise for his defense as a 6'7" combo forward who gets low and competes with intensity. His three-ball isn't fully there yet, but Walsh still operates as a face-up scorer with driving ability, a mid-range shot and passing skills."

In addition, Wasserman has former North Little Rock post player Kel'el Ware as a center and No. 8 selection. He signed with Oregon over Arkansas and others out of high school.

"Ware earned fans during the All-Star circuit, and he continued to strengthen his scouting profile this month at the U18 Americas Championship. In just 19.5 minutes, he averaged 15.7 points, 6.8 boards and 1.8 blocks, and scouts still think there is a three-ball in his game waiting to emerge at some point."

Arkansas has had a player drafted in the past four NBA Drafts. Moses Moody went in Round 1 in 2021 to Golden State Warriors. Isaiah Joe (Philadelphia) Daniel Gafford (Chicago) and Jaylin Williams (Oklahoma City) have all been taken in the second round. The longest streak ever at Arkansas of having players drafted was an eight-year streak from 1978-85.