NCAA Basketball: Top 15 pending decisions for 2022 NBA Draft

Mar 24, 2022; San Francisco, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) hugs Arkansas Razorbacks forward Jaylin Williams (10) after the game in the semifinals of the West regional of the men's college basketball NCAA Tournament at Chase Center. The Arkansas Razorbacks won 74-68. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

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Memphis Tigers forward DeAndre Williams NBA Draft NCAA Basketball Memphis Tigers At Cincinnati Bearcats Feb 28 /

9. F Deandre Williams – Memphis Tigers

2021-22 stats: 11.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.7 apg

Memphis had the ultimate ‘up and down’ season that included the health issues of Williams, who missed seven games and wasn’t 100% for more than half the season. It was clear the impact he had on the Tigers, as their defense was a mess when he wasn’t on the court.

The former Evansville forward has always had the potential of being a great scorer but Williams is at his best as the versatile two-way frontcourt player that can play either the four or the five on the court. He and Jalen Duren were a great duo but now the freshmen and projected lottery pick is off to the NBA Draft.

The situation is different for Williams who will be 24 years old if he comes back for another NCAA Basketball season. He’s not likely to get drafted if he stays in but he can go overseas and make some money and that looks alluring at his age.

On the other hand, with Duren gone, Williams can also come back and play for what potentially could be the best Tigers’ team left under head coach Penny Hardaway. The team just landed AAC Player of the Year and SMU guard transfer Kendric Davis to shore up the backcourt and lead hopefully a smoother offense. The frontcourt without Williams would look very suspect so look for his decision, which could determine how formidable Memphis will be next season.

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