VCU wing Vince Williams Jr. is one of the more enticing sleepers in the 2022 NBA draft. But he may not stay under the radar for much longer.
Williams is a senior who has already played four years of college basketball. But he will still be 21 years old on the night of the draft, which makes him younger than sophomore Keegan Murray, a projected lottery pick in this draft class.
Once you look into the statistical profile for Williams, it’s easy to see the appeal. Williams, who says his wingspan is nearly 7-foot, is the kind of role player who can have a high impact in the pros.
Every shot, assist, rebound, steal, block, & turnover from @VCU_Hoops forward Vince Williams Jr's (@Vincentwiliams) 1-29-22 game against Richmond https://t.co/XltSRDi3Qg
Williams Jr is FUNKY… The senior turned in a great statistical season & is still young (only 21). #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/6fgNj2AjMZ
— The Scouting Rapport (@ScoutingRapport) April 10, 2022
Opponents were just 4-for-29 (13.8%) on jumpers off the dribble on possessions when Williams was the nearest defender, per Synergy. According to CBB Analytics, during the minutes when Williams was on the court, other teams shot worse than 30% on non-corner 3-pointers and from the midrange.
He was an irritant and menace on the defensive end of the floor, constantly forcing turnovers for his defensive unit, which fares significantly better with him playing relative to when he was not.
How likely do y'all think is it that Vince Williams is the Herb Jones of this draft?
2nd Rounder whose 3&D skillset makes him an NBA ready contributor and a multi year role player.
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) April 24, 2022
Very few players have notched the level of productivity Williams just showed when it comes to key defensive metrics (block percentage, steal percentage, defensive box plus-minus) and offensive metrics (assist percentage and 3-point attempt rate).
Some of the other players with that impact in recent years include: Herbert Jones, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and Draymond Green. Within that group, Williams had the highest field-goal percentage both at the rim (68%) and on 3-pointers (38.7%).
Jones, who was a standout rookie during his first professional season in New Orleans, is a particularly interesting comparison for Williams — who sees the similarity in their games.
Williams will have a chance to show what he can bring to the next level while participating in the G League Elite Camp in Chicago between May 16 and 17 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. If he fares well there, he can earn an invitation to the NBA Combine.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
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