Nick Smith Jr. cuts list to eight, includes Kentucky

Jack Pilgrim/KSR

2022 five-star guard Nick Smith Jr. is down to eight potential options, with Kentucky holding firm as one of the finalists.

The 6-foot-4, 185-pound combo guard out of Sherwood, AR announced his list cut on Thursday, with Kentucky, Alabama, Auburn, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, the NBL and Overtime Elite remaining in contention. Smith also held offers from Georgetown, Florida, Memphis, North Carolina, Oregon and Texas, among others,

2022 five-star guard Nick Smith Jr. is down to Kentucky, Alabama, Auburn, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, the NBL and Overtime Elite pic.twitter.com/ZxX7RyGRF6

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) August 5, 2021

Kentucky extended a scholarship offer after a brilliant performance at Peach Jam, with Smith averaging 17.6 points (49.2% FG, 37.5% 3PT), 3.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per contest in 15 total games. UK was in attendance for each of the five-star guard’s games during both evaluation periods at Peach Jam, with at least two coaches sitting courtside at all times.

His biggest performance came in the Peach Jam title matchup against Team Final, with the prized recruiting target putting up 31 points on 10-18 shooting to go with one rebound, one assist, one steal and one block.

Smith was one of three prospects to earn scholarship offers from Kentucky during Peach Jam in July, with the five-star guard joining Cason Wallace and Kyle Filipowski. The latter committed to Duke shortly after the offer, though Smith and Wallace are both strongly considering the Wildcats.

Smith is listed as the No. 20 overall prospect in the latest 247Sports player rankings, with On3 listing him at No. 32 overall, ESPN at No. 37 overall and Rivals at No. 39 overall.

“Me and (UK assistant Jai Lucas) are pretty cool, he’s a pretty cool dude,” Smith told KSR back in April. “They’re very serious about their program, and I like that because I’m a very serious guy. I feel like Coach Cal just builds pros, you know what I’m saying? It’s just a great system.”

In terms of what the five-star guard is looking for in a college, Smith tells KSR he values “family and loyalty” above all else.

“I’m big on family and loyalty, just sticking with me through thick and thin,” he said. “If you stick with me, you know I’m going to stick with you, also. Just a family vibe, sticking together, playing great basketball, that’s really all I’m looking for.”

Check out some of his most recent highlights below: