Pro Hawgs: Walsh lights it up during first day of NBA Combine

Arkansas forward, Jordan Walsh had an extremely good first day at the 2023 NBA Combine.

The Texas native signed with the Razorbacks after playing one season at Link Prep in Branson, (Mo.). A McDonalds All-America, Walsh didn’t immediately make an impact as a freshman. He improved throughout the season eventually carving out a sixth or seventh man role in the rotation.

One of the more surprising drills Walsh showed a lot of success with was the three point drill. As a freshman he finished at 27-percent on the year but went 12-25 (48-percent) on Monday.

Arkansas freshman Jordan Walsh @jordanwalshlife helping himself in early going at 2023 NBA Draft Combine … execelled in agility drills, and now in the shooting drills … latest update (unofficial) …

Walsh ranks No. 1 (so far) in side-mid-side shooting drill (60%, 18-of-30) https://t.co/Ezx5mqrRX9

— Kevin McPherson (@ARHoopScoop) May 15, 2023

During the spot-up shooting drill, the former Razorback was nearly automatic finishing third behind Omari Moore and Marcus Sasser. Walsh shot 16-25 from the floor at a 64-percent rate.

Early testing results from the #NBACombine

I'll be giving updates all day and all week. pic.twitter.com/IpwrPQPDL5

— Rafael Barlowe (@Barlowe500) May 15, 2023

Walsh would again wow scouts in attendance with his top 10 performance in the pro lane drill which tests the speed, body control and the ability to change direction (agility) of a player. He would wind up tied for eighth on the day with a time of 10.83 seconds. Former Illinois guard, Terrance Shannon, Jr. led the group at 10.36 seconds.

Could easily see Jordan Walsh being one of the early winners of the Combine. Shot looks good, easily noticeable long arms, and if he plays in the scrimmage I think he can stick out

— Mavs/Magic Draft (@MavsDraft) May 15, 2023

During the standing vertical jump Walsh would reach 33 inches which ranked fifth amongst those competing in the drill.

Finally, Walsh finished first overall in the side-mid-side shooting drill which gathers dribble movement to pull up for a shot. The 6’5 forward went 18-30 during the segment at a 60-percent rate. He finished ahead of second place Kevin McCullar, Jr. who shot 53-percent.

Other miscellaneous stats for the day on Jordan Walsh included a 3.37 second three quarter sprint and went 7-10 from the free throw line.

At 6’5.75 inches and 208 pounds he is extremely long with a 7’1.75 inch wingspan. If nothing else, Walsh helped his draft stock extremely well. With a quality performance in the scrimmages that begin tomorrow he could soar up draft boards to become a first to early second round selection.

Interesting names who ARE expected to scrimmage Wednesday and Thursday: Emoni Bates, Brandin Podziemski, Terquavion Smith, Amari Bailey, Jordan Walsh, Leonard Miller, Tristan Vukcevic, Dillon Mitchell, Andre Jackson Jr., Judah Mintz

— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) May 16, 2023

Jordan Walsh didn't get many self-creation looks at the rim which is something NBA teams will want to see him prove in the pre-draft process, but a few things stand out with his finishing ability:

Using his long arms as a finisher
Athleticism
A strong spin move on the drive pic.twitter.com/sbHXVWSaDR

— Mavs/Magic Draft (@MavsDraft) May 16, 2023