NBA Future Watch: Jalen Williams Basketball Cards, Oklahoma City Thunder – Jalen Williams showed athleticism at the NBA Combine that led scouts, coaches, and executives to picture his burst on the court. That led to a burst up the draft board, securing a spot in the lottery at #12, which did not seem possible mere weeks before. Surpassing expectations is nothing new for Williams, who has managed to do that repeatedly in his young career.
A growth spurt of eight inches from his sophomore to senior year at Perry High School in suburban Phoenix set the stage for a splendid final campaign. The stats indicate that Williams achieved it: 21.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.1 APG and 2.0 SPG. Nonetheless, Williams was not a highly rated prospect, ending up at Santa Clara.
Once in a Bronco uniform, success did not come immediately, as Williams slotted only sixth in FGA as a freshman. Inching up to third in FGA on the squad as a sophomore, Williams was setting the stage for his breakthrough as a junior. He advanced from 11.5 PPG and 2.3 APG to 18.0 PPG and 4.2 APG. The most striking of many outstanding performances was the 18-point, 10-assist, four-steal outing in a win over #22 St. Mary’s on February 8. It was the program’s first triumph over a ranked team since 2004.
Williams’s progression to .396 3% by his junior season was a key element in becoming a viable prospect for the 2022 NBA Draft. Capable of playing point guard, shooting guard or small forward, Williams wowed at the combine with a wingspan over 7’2”. This element, combined with his expanded shooting range, defensive commitment and abilities, playmaking and court IQ catapulted Williams to OKC with the 12th pick.
Advanced stats provide a clear window to the development of Williams in his three years at Santa Clara. By his junior season, Williams ranked in the 73rd percentile per shot around the rim in the half court, 86th percentile per floater and 97th percentile per catch and shoot jump shot in the half court. To achieve his full potential professionally, Williams will need to bulk up to build on his success in the paint. As a high-potential swingman on both sides of the ball, Williams shapes up as an exciting young star on a team that could be in the spotlight within a few years.
NBA Future Watch: Jalen Williams Basketball Cards, Oklahoma City Thunder – Stats
Statistical image generated on Sports Reference 7/26/2022
NBA Future Watch: Jalen Williams Basketball Cards, Oklahoma City Thunder – More Resources
- Secondary Market Pricing
- NBA.com Player Profile
- 2022-23 Leaf Draft Basketball Cards
- Jalen Williams on Instagram
- Jalen Williams on Twitter
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