Derrick Williams to the NBA? Odds set at 50-50
Mar 28, 2011, 4:37 PM | Updated: 6:17 pm
For University of Arizona fans looking for something to smile about, ESPN’s Chad Ford may have thrown you a big, meat-filled bone.
In an ESPN Insider report Ford lists the All-America forward in the “50-50” group for players thought to be declaring for the NBA Draft.
Much better than the assumed odds, no?
Ford does mention that the general rule of thumb is if a player is a projected lottery pick they usually take their game (and bank accounts) to the next level and go pro. In the case of the 6-8, 241 lb. Williams, not only is the lottery in his future, but possibly a number one overall selection too.
That’s what happens when, as a sophomore, one averages 19.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, leads his team to a conference title and has one of the most dominant games in recent memory against the defending NCAA champions in the NCAA Tournament. Being the best player on a team that made a surprise run to the Elite 8 doesn’t hurt either.
It was assumed all throughout the tournament that Williams was playing his final games in an Arizona uniform. Given that, Wildcats fans should gladly take Ford’s odds. He has until May 8th to decide.
