The Arkansas Razorbacks scored a major victory after five-star recruit Jordan Smith Jr. decided to side with head coach John Calipari over Jon Scheyer’s Duke Blue Devils. Georgetown, Indiana, Kentucky, and Syracuse have also missed out on the chance of landing the best guard in the class.
Smith Jr. made his decision known on Friday and mentioned how Calipari played a major role in his commitment decision.
“I chose Arkansas because of Coach Cal and how he is willing to help families,” he said. “Seeing how Cal had dealt with other guards in my position. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win a basketball games. Arkansas fans, I’m ready to work and perform.”
“All my visits were very good, but when I left Arkansas, I felt it was the right place for me,” he added.
Smith Jr. stands 6-foot-2 tall and went to Paul VI Catholic High School in Chantilly, Virginia. He is the No. 3 overall player in the 2026 class and is the top shooting guard in the country, as per rivals.
Jordan Smith Jr.’s Five-Star Profile Should Please Arkansas Fans
Jordan Smith Jr. has all the necessary skills and abilities to make a big impact in college basketball. He was introduced to the sport by his father, Jordan Sr., who played in the local Washington, D.C. league. Before coming to Paul VI Catholic, Smith Jr. was part of Stuart-Hobson Middle School and St. Francis Xavier School in Washington, D.C.
At Paul VI Catholic, he missed the initial part of his freshman season because of injury, but upon his return as a sophomore, the guard led the school to the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) championship. The following season, Smith Jr. helped the program defend their championship by averaging 18.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. In the thrilling finals, Smith scored 29 points. He was selected MaxPreps Junior All-American and the MaxPreps National Junior of the Year.
Meanwhile, in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL), he led Team Takeover to the Peach Jam championship in 2022 and 2023.
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