NCAA Basketball: Top 10 pending 2023 NBA Draft decisions to watch next month

6. Jordan Walsh – Arkansas Razorbacks

The Razorbacks had the greatest recruiting class in program history, having three five-star prospects. Anthony Black had a good all-around game to solidify his standing as a projected lottery pick, while despite the injuries, guard Nick Smith should go somewhere in the top 10.

The other five-star freshman who has the biggest question is Jordan Walsh. The 6’7 combo forward averaged 7.1 ppg and 3.9 rpg in 24 mpg, starting 22 of 36 games this season. Offensively, there certainly were inconsistencies. The wing shot 43% from the field and 28% from three-point range on 20/72 attempts. Walsh only had one game with more than 13 points on the season, scoring 18 points on 7/7 shooting against Bradley.

What keeps Walsh as an NBA Draft prospect is his defense, which was nearly as good as Black’s. His versatility to guard 1-4 is important at the next level and his measurables and overall skillsets are promising. If he takes a leap on offense, he has lottery-pick potential.

Arkansas hasn’t added 20 transfers yet this offseason, so Walsh can come back and be a full-time starter. I can’t predict how big a role he’ll have in the offense for the 2023-24 season but he’d be an important piece for the team to return and hope for a sophomore breakout campaign.