NCAA Basketball: Analyzing Evansville transfer Deandre Williams final 4 teams

Memphis Tigers

Compared to a year ago, Memphis Basketball hasn’t had too much going on this offseason. They did land talented Virginia Tech scorer Landers Nolley, who most likely will sit out a season. The Tigers also lost guard Tyler Harris to the portal, while also having AAC Player of the Year Precious Achiuwa opt to remain in the NBA Draft. They have a need at the center position (possibly Moussa Cisse?) but also have to find a capable scorer for next year.

Assuming Williams can get that waiver, he could be a huge asset for the Tigers, regardless of whoever else they land this offseason. It’s a bit of a question as to how well he and D.J. Jeffries can play together but ideally, Williams can play the 3 and Jeffries can play at the power forward spot. Florida sit-out transfer Isaiah Stokes and sophomore center Malcolm Dandridge can get minutes at the five-spot, while Alex Lomax, Lester Quinones and Boogie Ellis handle the perimeter.

This could really be an ideal partnership for both sides. Memphis missed out in this recruiting class but could have a top-tier group in 2021, linked with a number of top-50 overall prospects. They need what would be viewed as a stop-gap asset to keep them in contention for a season before the possible elite group comes in. Williams, at most, wants to be around for one more season before he goes pro anyway so he won’t even be in the way for the next class of players.

It’s 50/50 whether Deandre Williams will even return to NCAA Basketball but I believe he needs at least one full season of high-level results to be a consensus NBA Draft pick. He could do that at any one of these options but they each present some pros and cons. Look for a decision soon, that’ll have ripple effects for each of these teams.