Duke big man Mark Williams has declared for the draft, making the announcement on his Instagram page.
The seven-foot sophomore started all 39 games for the Blue Devils this past season, averaging 11.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG and 2.8 BPG in 23.6 MPG. He was named the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year.
He’s currently listed No. 18 on ESPN’s Best Available prospects list and second among projected centers behind only Memphis’ Jalen Duren, who also declared on Monday. According to ESPN’s analysis posted in mid-March, Williams is “one of the best shot-blockers in this draft class and brings a consistent presence as a vertical spacer and an offensive rebounder for Duke, finishing 71% of his field goal attempts, with nearly half of those makes coming on dunks.”
Williams is a traditional post player — he only attempted one 3-pointer in his two seasons at Duke. He had a 28-point, 12-rebound, 3-block performance against Syracuse late in the regular season. He posted 12 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks against Arkansas in the West Region Elite 8 contest.
If you can go in 1st rd. You should come out. Traditional center will be a starting center one day. Rockets with their second #1 pick. Would be wise to pick him up. Getting (Smith or Banchero) plus Williams in draft. Would be an excellent draft for Rockets.
He will definately be a good maybe great center in the league. He really impacted the painted area this year in college. If he adds a nice shot tobhis game ala Ewing. Look out!
Rockets had the second pick last year. This year it hasn’t been decided who gets the first pick.
Likely was referring to the 2nd 1st round pick the Rockets have in the draft
I see him as a late 1st round pick at best. The things most basketball fans hold dear, are obsolete and irrelevant. Look at Utah for example. Do any of you think that this kid will be as good or better than Gobert? The Jazz haven’t won jack with him and are having trouble with a Luka-less Dallas. Look around the playoffs. Teams that are making 3s are beating the teams who aren’t. I’ll keep repeating this. In today’s NBA, the 3pt shot is king.
Gobert is elite at a few things and borderline unplayable at some as well. So no team will likely win anything paying such a player the max.
As an elite role player who is paid accordingly? Probably a very different story.
Context matters.