Babb lets his game do the talking

University of Arkansas signee Nick Babb isn’t content taking shots from outside the lane.

The 6-4 guard would rather weave his way to the basket.

“I like to distribute to my teammates,” Babb said before Thursday night’s Mike Conley Jr., Tennessee vs. Arkansas All-Star Classic at Little Rock Hall. “I’m not all about myself. I can shoot the outside shot if that’s what’s needed, but I prefer to get to the basket.”

Three of Babb’s four field goals came on drives to the rim.

“He’s a good shooter, and he had a highlight dunk tonight,” said Trey Thompson, a post player from Forrest City, who will join Babb on the Razorbacks’ roster this fall. “He’s a slasher, and he’s going to be a good teammate.”

Short-handed Tennessee won Thursday’s game 81-78. Daryl Macon, Little Rock Parkview’s 6-4 guard who hit three free throws with 47.4 seconds left to give Arkansas a 77-76 lead, was too far right on a 35-foot attempt that would have sent the game into overtime. Macon’s shot banged off the rim as time expired.

Babb finished with 9 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Thompson, who wound up as the Arkansas All-Stars’ MVP, finished with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists.

Chris Jefferson, a 6-8 forward from Melrose High School in Memphis, led the Tennessee All-Stars, who had eight players on their roster, with 20 points and eight rebounds.

Macon led Arkansas with 25 points, including a game-high four three-pointers. Jonesboro’s Kahron Ross scored all 10 of his points in the first half, but the future Lehigh University player led all players with eight assists, four in each half.

For Babb, Thursday’s game was his first chance to play on the same court as Thompson. He had played one game against Anton Beard, who also will be an incoming freshman at Arkansas this fall.

“I’ve seen some highlight films of both of them, so I’ve got a feel of how they play,” Babb said of his future teammates.

Babb said he’s looking forward to playing in front of the Razorbacks’ fans.

“Arkansas fans are great,” Babb said. “They will have your back no matter what.”

Fans may not hear too much from Babb once he puts on an Arkansas uniform.

“I don’t like to talk about myself that much, and I don’t like to talk smack on the court,” Babb said. “I let my game talk for itself. … I’m going to come in, work hard and try to get as much playing time as I can.

“I know I will not have anything given to me, but I think that when I do get into the game, I can make an impact.”