Devin Williams goes strong to the basket against Kansas (Photo : Ed Zorga | Getty Images Sport)
The 2016 NBA draft is inching closer and this year's college stars are starting to declare for the upcoming event.
On, March 29 Tuesday, West Virginia forward Devin Williams announced his intent to enter the draft, West Virginia Metro News reported.
"This is something I've thought about over and over, and I believe that this is the best decision for me and my family," Williams said in a press release in West Virginia University.
His head coach, Bob Huggins, is fully supporting his player in his decision to forego his senior season and venture in the pros.
"We support Devin in his decision to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a professional basketball player," said coach Bob Huggins in the press conference. "We wish him nothing but the best and appreciate his contributions and the impact that he has had on Mountaineer Basketball."
Williams, despite lacking height for his position (6'9"), is equipped with offensive arsenal that can make him an option in offense and his rebounding will also be one of his biggest strength, added the head coach.
His biggest performance this season was during a game against Kansas where he posted 31 points, 10 rebounds plus two steals and assists. Also, that game was for the Big 12 championship which probably helped him get noticed by scouts since it's a nationally televised game.
However, he is not projected to be drafted in either rounds the upcoming draft despite leading the Big 12 in double-doubles per NBA Draft.Net mock draft. Currently, LSU forward Ben Simmons, Duke's Ben Ingram, Oklahoma's Buddy Hield, Providence Kris Dunn and Gonzaga's Domantas Sabonis rounds up the top five.
Regardless, it seems like he is poised to play in Europe should he be left undrafted in the NBA according to his head coach. Also, Williams won second-team All-Big 12 honors to add to his credentials. He finished the tourney with averages of 13.3 points and 9.5 rebounds.
Other college stars who have declared in the upcoming draft are Kentucky's Jamal Murray, Skal Labisierre and Tyler Ulis, Mississipi State's Malik Newman, Kansas Wayne Selden and Cheick Diallo, Notre Dame's Demetrius Jackson, Utah's Jakob Poeltl and UNLV's Stephan Zimmerman. Watch Williams' dominating performance against Kansas below.
