Forward Rodney Williams had a modest freshman season for the Gophers, starting four of 32 games, averaging 4.2 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.7 blocks. For those who haven’t seen him play, or practice, it must have been stunning to visit Nbadraft.net earlier this fall and see him projected as the No. 11 pick in the first round of the 2011 NBA draft.
A mock draft is just that, a hypothetical, but know this: NBA teams are salivating for prospects that combine basketball skills with athleticism. Teams will draft prospects lacking experience and still teenagers.
The 6-7, 200 pound Williams played at Robbinsdale Cooper where his senior year numbers were modest: 15.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. But Williams showed back then that he was a recruit to be coveted, a superb athlete who gracefully moved up and down the court. The potential was there to be a great college player…scoring, rebounding and defending. And top it all off with flair, using his extraordinary leaping ability to dunk the ball and block shots. Even while in high school some observers saw a young man who belonged in the NBA slam dunk contest.
Gophers coach Tubby Smith was asked by Sports Headliners for his reaction to the lofty place Nbadraftnet.com positioned Williams. “I would say, wow. What a great thing,” Smith answered. “I pray that’s the case. That would be beautiful for him, for us and for his family.
“I think he’s capable. I think he has that type of potential, if he’s willing to work. But let’s just say this. He has a long way to go, a lot to prove. If he does that, he’s going to be all right.
“But at this point he ain’t no 11 pick. But he could and I hope and pray that he is. I hope he’s a No. 1 pick (first player chosen). That’s my goal. That’s my dream for him is to be the best player in college basketball.”
Williams started at small forward for the Gophers last Tuesday night, contributing 13 points on six of eight shooting in 22 minutes in the team’s 109-59 exhibition game win over Northeastern State. He also blocked three shots.
The Gophers play Winona State at home tonight, their second and final exhibition game.