2022 Basketball Recruiting Targets

Recruiting is in full force for the class of 2022. Arkansas, as usual with Eric Musselman, is already busy recruiting this class. By my count, the Hogs have offered 31 different players in the 2022 class. This class could be the greatest in-state class in Arkansas history. There have been 5 in-state players to be offered by the Arkansas staff with the potential of a 6^th to Creed Williamson of Little Rock Central in the future.

Let’s take a look at these 2022 targets:

Nick Smith Jr. – Sherwood, AR

Smith is a very versatile 6-4 guard who is extremely gifted at scoring the ball. Recently, he posted videos of himself playing pick-up with former Hog greats like Bobby Portis, Daryl Macon, Dusty Hannahs, and others. Florida and Auburn are among the teams making a push for him. He has played AAU with Brad Beal Elite which will always give Florida an added boost when recruiting players. He is the highest rated of any of the Arkansas player at #42.

Kel’el Ware – North Little Rock, AR

Ware is a 6-10 rim-running big man that has developed the ability to step out shoot from mid-range and 3. He has picked up offers from Auburn, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and more in recent months. In recent history, Arkansas has always a big man on the roster from the state of Arkansas. Michael Washington, Bobby Portis, Daniel Gafford, Trey Thompson, Ethan Henderson, and now Jaylin Williams. Ware could be the next to join that group. This high school season will be big for his development after no AAU ball this summer.

Joseph Pinion – Morrilton, AR

Pinion is a 6-6 athletic small forward who can score, score, score. Arkansas offered several months ago and he has picked up many new offers this summer. Baylor, Kansas, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and Texas Tech. Duke has even shown interest. He currently ranks #90 in the class.

Derrian Ford – Magnolia, AR

Ford ranks #81 in the 2022 class after back-to-back state championships for Magnolia. The point guard is extremely athletic and can get to the basket at will. He needs to improve his shooting, but projects to be a great high major college player. Ford has been to the Arkansas campus and holds over 20 offers. Schools like Florida, Baylor and Auburn are making a strong push for his services.

Javion Guy-King – Little Rock, AR

Javion is coming off an injury last season, but his recruitment has picked up steam as he has received offers from Oklahoma State, Murray State, and Ole Miss in recent months. Guy-King is a 6-6 wing who can score from all 3 levels. I expect more offers to pour in for him if he can remain healthy for his junior season at Little Rock Mills.

Out-of-state names to watch for:

#57 Ramel Lloyd Jr.

#13 Mark Mitchell

#103 Prince Aligbe

#12 Keyonte George