Arkansas Basketball: Current projections for Jaylin Williams in the 2022 NBA Draft
Arkansas Basketball star Jaylin Williams has declared for the 2022 NBA Draft. However, unlike JD Notae, he will not hire an agent, keeping his eligibility intact for a return to the Razorbacks next season.
Williams will use the next couple of months to work out, conduct interviews, and get feedback from NBA teams about where he might be selected if he keeps his name in the draft.
The rising junior will have until June to withdraw his name from the draft and return to the Razorbacks. But, something tells me that teams and GMs are going to fall in love with Jaylin Williams’ motor, work ethic, skills, and potential.
Jaylin Williams was a big reason why the Hogs were able to upset No. 1 overall seed Gonzaga in the Men’s March Madness tournament and eventually advance to the Elite 8.
Current NBA Draft projections for Arkansas Basketball star Jaylin Williams
The ability to draw charges, put his body on the line, and seamlessly connect with teammates passing the ball, helps Jaylin Williams stand out from the crowd of talented NBA prospects.
His 6’10” frame and mobility could give him the flexibility to keep up with some of the NBA’s most talented big men like Joel Embiid, Rudy Gobert, and Nikola Jokic.
USA Today projects Williams being taken No. 27 overall by the Miami Heat. Here’s what they wrote about the Razorback:
"Following the success of Bam Adebayo, we have already seen the Heat fall in love with defense-first big men who can contribute on offense as elite passers for their position. Williams isn’t without his flaws, but with the physicality that he plays with and a good touch on his jumper at the free-throw line, his game is very promising."
Bleacher Report currently places J-Will at No. 39 overall to the San Antonio Spurs, allowing him to join one of the most storied teams in all of basketball. Jonathan Wasserman wrote:
"In consecutive games against Gonzaga and Duke, Williams combined for 34 points, 22 rebounds, and six assists. He’s stuck between a rim protector and perimeter forward, but he flashed enough face-up driving, mid-range touch, passing skill, and defensive IQ (taking charges) for teams to ignore questions about his fit in the second round."
A lot of eyes will be watching Williams and if he decides to keep his name in the draft. If he returns to the Razorbacks next season, many are projecting Arkansas to be championship contenders.