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Robert Williams – 6’9″ Power Forward / Center, Texas A&M, 20 Years Old
Two-time defending SEC defensive player of the year, Robert Williams will be headed into the 2018 NBA Draft. The 6’9″240-pound big man had a very successful career over his two seasons at Texas A&M. Williams made a name for himself during March Madness this year and increased his draft stock in the process. With a 7’0″ wingspan, Williams becomes a monstrous shot blocker and one of the best rebounders entering the draft.
As a freshman at Texas A&M, Williams impressed with averages of 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. This season, Williams’ averages looked similar to last, 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. Williams did show improvement from his freshman season by increasing his field goal percentage from 55% to 63% this season. However, Williams will have to improve at the charity stripe; shooting only 47% last season. After two great years at Texas A&M, Williams is now expected to become a late lottery pick to a team like the Los Angeles Clippers or the Denver Nuggets.
Strengths
Williams’ athleticism is remarkable. His will to run the floor gives him an advantage over other big men. Williams has also demonstrated an ability to be an explosive leaper around the rim and finish shots through contact. Williams also has a huge upside to his game, making him one of the biggest of all prospects in the draft. He has become a capable perimeter defender and uses incredible length to keep faster guards in front of him.
Robert Williams is able to enforce his will down low and commonly dunks over taller defenders. He is one of the best rebounders in college basketball and is able to perfectly utilize his strength and physical frame to snag rebounds with both hands. He is great at anticipating where a rebound will land and is able to grab rebounds that otherwise wouldn’t be landing near him.
Weaknesses
Although Williams possesses more potential than most of his fellow prospects, he is still considered a raw prospect by scouts. His inability to shoot from outside of the paint is certainly a downside to his game and is going against the trend of other shooting big men in the league right now. His inconsistency is his biggest downside, tending to disappear sometimes on offense.
At 6’9″ Williams is a bit undersized at center in the NBA, which means he would probably be playing at the Power Forward position more for whatever team drafts him. However, his range will make him a liability to his team on the offensive end of the floor in today’s NBA.
NBA Player Comparison
As mainly a Rebounding machine and a skillful shot blocker, Robert Williams has drawn comparisons to DeAndre Jordan and Hassan Whiteside. They all have elite rebounding and shot-blocking to go along with a minuscule shooting range on offense. Whiteside and Jordan have become successful over the years, and are menaces to anyone attempting a shot in the paint. As thunderous dunkers, Williams, Jordan, and Whiteside all share the ability to rise above the rim over defenders.
As a potential lottery pick, Robert Williams will be expected to produce for his team immediately. He could carry a bigger load depending on which team selects him. His potential makes him one of the more intriguing players in this year’s draft, also giving him the chance to rise to the ranks of Jordan and Whiteside sometime in the future.
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