Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Deron Williams NBA Bound
Yesterday, Illni Wonk reported a rumor that Deron Williams was shopping for an agent in preperation for the NBA draft. While he apparently doesn't have an agent, it's now pretty clear that this is his last season as a member of the Fighting Illini basketball team.
Marlen Garcia of the Chicago Tribune has an article that, reading between the lines, says that Deron Williams is gone at the end of the year. In the article he reveals that he almost declared for the draft last spring and will go if he is projected anywhere in the first round. Dee Brown on the other hand, puts his likelihood of staying in Champaign for another year at 90%. John Supinie writes in the Peoria Journal-Star: That's not a news flash. Mark Tupper says Williams is gone. Brown, whose stock may never be higher, might be. Even in the midst of all the speculation, Williams has said he's focused on season, not NBA.
More here, here and here.
As for where in the draft he might fall, Brendan McGovern projects Williams going to the Toronto Raptors as the 15th selection (From Philadelphia via New Jersey if 76ers' pick not in Top 8) here. In their mock draft, HoopsHype projects him the #13 pick and going to the LA Clippers. HoopsHype compares Williams to Andre Miller (so did his college coach, Rick Majerus) and says he's rookie year salary will be $1.3 million (still think he might be in college?)
UPDATE: CollegeHoopsnet has Williams in their top nine prospects for the 2005 NBA draft.
UPDATE #2: In the February 28 Sports Illustrated, Seth Davis rates Williams the second best point guard in the draft and says he'll be a "future all-star" in the NBA. Davis' notes include this blurb: At 210 pounds, has NBA size; efficient and controlled; can create off the dribble and knock down the J. posted by Illiniwonk at 8:26 AM
Marlen Garcia of the Chicago Tribune has an article that, reading between the lines, says that Deron Williams is gone at the end of the year. In the article he reveals that he almost declared for the draft last spring and will go if he is projected anywhere in the first round. Dee Brown on the other hand, puts his likelihood of staying in Champaign for another year at 90%. John Supinie writes in the Peoria Journal-Star: That's not a news flash. Mark Tupper says Williams is gone. Brown, whose stock may never be higher, might be. Even in the midst of all the speculation, Williams has said he's focused on season, not NBA.
More here, here and here.
As for where in the draft he might fall, Brendan McGovern projects Williams going to the Toronto Raptors as the 15th selection (From Philadelphia via New Jersey if 76ers' pick not in Top 8) here. In their mock draft, HoopsHype projects him the #13 pick and going to the LA Clippers. HoopsHype compares Williams to Andre Miller (so did his college coach, Rick Majerus) and says he's rookie year salary will be $1.3 million (still think he might be in college?)
UPDATE: CollegeHoopsnet has Williams in their top nine prospects for the 2005 NBA draft.
UPDATE #2: In the February 28 Sports Illustrated, Seth Davis rates Williams the second best point guard in the draft and says he'll be a "future all-star" in the NBA. Davis' notes include this blurb: At 210 pounds, has NBA size; efficient and controlled; can create off the dribble and knock down the J. posted by Illiniwonk at 8:26 AM
