Arkansas gives no update on Nick Smith Jr (knee)

Arkansas coach Eric Musselman provided something of an update on his injured players Monday ahead of Arkansas’ game against Missouri on Wednesday.

Forward Trevon Brazile, who was lost for the season with a torn ACL against North Carolina-Greensboro on December 7, had successful surgery for the injury, Musselman said. Brazile’s timetable for return would be the beginning of next season, assuming he decided not to declare for the NBA Draft.

Musselman did not provide an update on guard Nick Smith Jr., however. That isn’t unusual as the coach has followed the same protocol since the school announced Smith would be out indefinitely for maintenance on his right knee.

The notation of “indefinitely” means Arkansas isn’t ready to announce a timetable for Smith’s return. It could be against Missouri, he could be out for the season or it could be anywhere in-between.

Brazile was averaging 11.8 points and 6.0 rebounds in his eight games when he was lost. Smith had played in five total games, but only three with standard minutes. In his five, Smith was averaging 12.8 points. He is expected to be a top-five NBA pick when he decides to turn pro.

Arkansas hosts Missouri in its SEC home opener Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.