2011 Draft Profile - Derrick Williams

Has been hands down best player in the pac-10 and main reason that Arizona is in first place in the conference. Listed on team roster at 6ft 8 240, has the size and athleticism to play either forward position but probably will not over-power matchups in the NBA, instead rely on his craftiness. A good head on his shoulders, very competitive, smart and unselfish player. Solid post up game, his greatest strength is his mid range game, he can finish with both hands and great at converting 3 point plays. Very efficient from the free throw line and from 3 even though he doesn’t attempt many beyond the arc.

Does not have elite athleticism, and struggled a bit in his last game at UCLA as they were geared up for the showdown, which shows he may not be a high-ceiling guy in the NBA. Good rebounder and adequate defender but will not be his specialty. No glaring weaknesses. Already has a good offensive repertoire and shows the ability to work on his game and improve. Has the mental makeup to be a asset in the NBA for several years.

Updated April 12th: Every year you go into the March tourney and wonder, who will be in the final 4, who will be the Cinderella, and who will raise their NBA draft stock. As far as raising their draft stock nobody did as much as Derrick Williams, who carried his team to a deep run highlighted by a 32pt, 13reb effort in the shocking upset over defending national champ Duke. In all 3 games Williams was the best player on the floor shinning brighter than future NBA picks, Tristan Thompson, Jordan Hamilton, Plumlee’s, Singler and so on. AZ lost a 2pt heartbreaker to the eventual national champs but Williams solidified himself as a sure fire top 3 pick.

As an underwhelming recruit coming out of high school few projected Williams to have a NBA future, but after an all American Soph yr, Williams rose to superstar status in the NCAA tourney. Williams showed an all around game with 3pt accuracy, defensive and rebounding prowess and explosive finishes around the basket. His fg% was a little low vs Texas and UCONN but we will not discount him for how much he was asked to carry the team. A complete forward, he will probably be most natural as a PF. He has an excellent mid range game, finishes strong, efficient with both hands, and handles the ball well on the perimeter and can slash to the basket with authority. He comes with a great mental makeup, Williams is a great teammate, competitive, used to making big plays at the end of games and all around dream to coach.

Based on his rise, you can label Williams a late bloomer. Each game he has flashed more gaudy athleticism and ability to take over. This tourney showed that we can project Derick more than just a role player at the next level, but as a future all star and Rookie of the Year favorite. A Blake Griffin-like prospect is not too far off. This is a great story of a great kid who in 2 years went from fortunate to play in the Pac-10, to a guy that an NBA team will build around.

NBA comparison: Michael Beasley/ Amare Stoudemire
Player profile submitted by: Tom Patterson

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NCAA Basketball Stats

Derrick Williams Videos

Derrick Williams 2010 Highlights University of Arizona Basketball

Derrick Williams Arizona Highlights 09'-10'

Derrick Williams Dunk vs. Wazzu #1 Top Play ESPN Sportscenter

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