Nick Smith Jr., North Little Rock star and Arkansas signee, named No. 1 overall prospect: Report

247Sports released its final rankings for the class of 2022 on Wednesday

The top spot in the 2022 recruiting class rankings has fluctuated wildly over the past two years, as reclassifications and the lack of one true generational talent has left the top of the board fluid.

On Wednesday, however, 247Sports released its final rankings for the class of 2022 - and a new name snagged the top spot.

North Little Rock High School (Arkansas) guard Nick Smith Jr., an Arkansas Razorbacks signee, climbed several spots to become the No. 1 player in the country.

.@RazorbackMBB coach Eric Musselman had an awesome reaction to signee Nick Smith being ranked the No. 1 player in the class! pic.twitter.com/8VhdrqODK9

— 247Sports (@247Sports) May 11, 2022

Here's what the site had to say about naming Smith the nation's top prospect:

"So, what makes Smith No. 1? Today’s game dictates that guards must be capable of generating their own offense. Whether it be out of pick and roll action, with a shot clock winding down or just a situation where guy needs to go and make a play, if a guard can’t generate offense on their own, their ceiling will be limited. Smith can do all of that and he does it with an electric first step, bounce at the rim and some flair."

"Add in that he can score from deep, is just starting to grow into his long and lean frame and is an absolute sponge for soaking up knowledge about the game and you have a guy that 247Sports is banking on long term. Certainly, Smith has the mindset to match his new ranking and he’s going to carry it onto the floor with him from here on out." 

It's been quite a journey for the dynamic guard, as he bounced around being rated the nation's No. 20-40 overall prospect until late last summer, when he finally cracked the top 20.

Since that time, however, Smith has steadily risen into one of the premier players in the country.

High school teammate Kel'el Ware, an Oregon Ducks signee, finished No. 6 nationally. 

He helped lead North Little Rock to an Arkansas state title, and was selected for the McDonald's All-American Game, the Nike Hoop Summit and the Jordan Brand Classic, where he was named MVP after a 27-point, 4-assist, 3-rebound effort. 

Wednesday's distinction finally gives him the top spot.

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