Mark WilliamsThis is the first time that one of Duke’s many NBA prospects has announced his intention to leave to go into the draft. The sophomore, who is 7’1 and 242 pounds, announced his decision Monday night via social media.
Williams stated that playing in the NBA was a long-held dream of his. “Duke prepared me for this next step, and I’m thrilled to announce that I will be declaring in the 2022 NBA Draft.”
ESPN ranked Williams as the No. ESPN ranked Williams the No. The Virginia Beach native, who was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, started all 39 games. Williams averaged 11.2 point and 7.4 boards and was 12th nationally for 2.82 blocks per match. Through two college seasons, he shot 70.4% and saw a significant improvement in his foul line (from 53.7% as an freshman to 72.7% when he was a sophomore).
Williams’ offensive production was dominated by putbacks and dunks. However, his rest of the offensive game is still in development.
Williams is a star freshman Paolo BancheroThe Blue Devils were able to provide a solid frontline which helped them reach the now-retired Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski’s 13th Final Four. They also won the Atlantic Coast Conference regular season title for the first time since 2006.
Krzyzewski stated that Mark is gifted on both ends of the court and is determined to improve every day. “The NBA team that drafts Mark is clearly getting a talent player, but he’s also getting an equally impressive young man off of the court who will represent their organization with class.”
He ended his Duke career with 8 points and 4 rebounds. However, he was only able to play 17 minutes due foul trouble in the loss against North Carolina in the national semifinals.
Many Duke players, including A.J. Banchero (star freshmen) and A.J. Griffin, are also likely to be heading to the NBA.