Deandre Williams career with Memphis Basketball was supposed to end this past season. But is there a chance the big man can return for one more year?
Last season, Memphis Basketball was carried by two star players in Kendric Davis and Deandre Williams, the two lone double-digit scorers on the season. Both of them were supposed to be gone and out of eligibility but reportedly, the big man is looking to seek an extra year from the NCAA.
Williams has been with the Tigers for the past three years, averaging double figures in all of them. His past season was a career-high campaign as a senior, producing 17.7 ppg and 8.2 rpg on 52% shooting 52% from the field and 40% from three-point range. That included performances such as 19 points and 17 rebounds against Tulane and 35 points and 13 rebounds versus UCF in the AAC Tournament.
Williams, a 6’9 power forward from Houston, started out his career at Evansville. He was ruled ineligible as a freshman by the NCAA due to academic issues and that was taken against him, leaving him with three years and the extra season via covid. So technically, he was supposed to not have any years left.
The hope from the Williams camp is that he’ll be granted a waiver from the NCAA to get that original year back. If that occurs, Memphis Basketball could make a case for being a top-25 caliber team next season. There’s a huge need in the frontcourt after the recent losses, including both Chandler and Jonathan Lawson. Only Temple transfer Nick Jordain can play at the four and five-spot right now.
With Williams back, the Tigers will have their focal point on offense and one of the best frontcourt players in NCAA Basketball. Plus, there’s hope that they can land another big man, including a potential reunion with center Malcolm Dandridge. He’s not in the transfer portal but what happens with Deandre Williams is one of the most important decisions in the sport for the rest of the offseason.