Duke Basketball: Breaking down the 2020 recruiting class
Mark Williams – Bradenton, FL
C | 7-foot-0 | 225 lbs | No. 25 overall
Several 2020 prospects made significant strides during their senior seasons that led to boosts in recruiting rankings across the board. Mark Williams was definitely one of those late-risers and emerged as a fringe five-star prospect after a strong campaign for IMG Academy.
The seven-footer most notably showcased his offensive improvements to go with elite defense as he is now a much more well-rounded recruit. His skill set feels like a perfect fit alongside the rest of Duke’s recruiting class.
In terms of playing style, you would be hard-pressed to find many incoming freshmen as defensively disruptive as Williams. In addition to being listed as a seven-footer, he boasts superb length and definitely uses that to his advantage.
Williams is already a dangerous shot-blocker and he also uses his arms well to shut off passing lanes. With his athleticism and length, he can also switch on the perimeter, which is becoming increasingly vital for an elite defensive center. Williams plays with an outstanding motor and projects as a defensive menace and glass-cleaner for Duke.
On the offensive end of the floor, Williams mostly relies on his ability to run the floor, finish above-the-rim, and finish on second-chance opportunities. He did showcase more skill as a post option and jump-shooter (out to mid-range) during this past season to warrant his jump in recruiting ranking, though.
He seriously pops on film with length and ability to disrupt opponents on the defensive end. Considering Duke is loaded with offensive talent, he will not be needed to create for himself all that often. As a result, Williams should be the ideal fit for this roster with his dominating presence in the paint as a rebounder and defender. He will deny plenty of shots and also create second-chance opportunities for the Blue Devils, at the very least.
In terms of his role as a freshman, Williams will be paired with Columbia transfer Patrick Tape (11.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 2018-19) to form a tandem at the center spot. Those two will be expected to split time at the position, although the Blue Devils could deploy some small-ball lineups as well.