3: Texas Tech forward Bryson Williams
The obvious NBA prospects in the Sweet Sixteen include Jaden Ivey, Chet Holmgren, and Paolo Banchero, but don’t forget about Bryson Williams from Texas Tech. He may not have the same potential as those other guys, but he’s had a very strong season and I’m looking forward to his matchup versus Duke.
Williams, a transfer from UTEP, has been a huge part of the Red Raiders’ success this year. When it comes to the draft, his name isn’t a name that you hear a lot. The 23-year-old (soon to be 24) plays the five for Texas Tech and is averaging 13.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.
At six-foot-eight and 240 pounds with those statistics, he doesn’t exactly scream NBA material. Williams could fall in the second round or even go undrafted.
The reason I’m including him in this article is because I think that he deserves more attention and I do believe at some point he’ll find himself on an NBA roster.
I see Williams as a 3-and-D player coming in on a second unit at the professional level. He can stretch the floor and doesn’t necessarily need the ball in his hands. He’d be a nice fit for a solid role player.
I might be in the minority here, but if New York takes him late in the second round or signs him after the draft and then stashes him in the G League, I’d be all for it.