Arkansas Basketball: Breaking down the 2020 recruiting class

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - FEBRUARY 22: Razorback Flag is waved before a game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Missouri Tigers at Bud Walton Arena on February 22, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Tigers 78-68. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – FEBRUARY 26: A pom squad member. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Jaylin Williams (Fort Smith, AR)

C | 6-foot-9 | 230 lbs | No. 72 overall

Versatility is the name of the game in the modern era of basketball and Jaylin Williams certainly brings plenty of that to the floor. He boasts an athletic and well-built 6-foot-9 frame plus the playing style that yields him to seeing time at multiple different positions. He is mostly regarded as a center but can function as either forward slot as well thanks to his touch as a shooter and impressive passing ability.

He is ranked at No. 72 in the class and is already quite polished as an all-around talent.

This much was evident as he put together an excellent summer with Woodz Elite (AR) on the Nike EYBL circuit. Over the course of 18 contests with the team, Williams posted averages of 10.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 23.8 minutes per game. He flashed his perimeter game as well by shooting 11-for-31 (35.5 percent) from 3-point range.

Williams then followed up that breakout circuit with a strong high school season that culminated in being named Arkansas’s Gatorade Player of the Year.

Heading into his freshman season with Arkansas, Williams should be expected to be a solid two-way contributor. He protects the paint well defensively with his bouncy athleticism while also being able to cover multiple positions. On the offensive end, his floor-stretching will open up driving lanes if he is able to prove his shooting early. His passing might not be as clear during his first season with the program, but it is an impressive part of his game.

Considering Arkansas’s biggest weakness next season might be a lack of elite production in the frontcourt, Williams could be the most important incoming freshman to monitor. He might not be the most highly-rated but he could be extremely impactful if he hits the ground running as a first-year contributor.

Cal transfer Connor Vanover, who sat out last season, projects to be the team’s starting center with his experience and 7-foot-3 frame, but Williams could be right behind him on the depth chart.

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