Arizona was knocked out of the NCAA Tournament by a buzzsaw UConn team on Saturday, and Wildcats’ star Derrick Williams -- a forward who exploded into the national spotlight with a huge performance against Duke on Thursday -- faced immediate questions about whether he’ll declare for the 2011 NBA Draft.
Derrick Williams Demures On 2011 NBA Draft Decision
He did not answer those questions.
Unlike Ohio State prospect Jared Sullinger, who on Friday declared he'd definitely return to college, Williams simply refused to discuss his NBA intentions. From the Los Angeles Times:
“I’m not answering any questions about that, no questions about the next level, no questions about the NBA,” Williams said.
Cynics will say that means Williams is leaning toward leaving Arizona; no player wants to break his fans’ hearts twice in one day by losing a chance to make the Final Four and killing hope for a run next season. Williams will have plenty of inclination to leave, as he’s considered a sure bet for the lottery and a probably top-five pick. DraftExpress currently lists Williams as the No. 2 prospect in the world; Chad Ford has Williams at the same spot.
If Williams does declare, questions will arise about whether he can be an effective power forward in the NBA at 6-8. That may not matter; Williams considers himself a small forward prospect, and he certainly has the perimeter skills to make it there in the pros.
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