Doric Sam April 22, 2024
AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post
It only took one year for Colorado guard Cody Williams to establish himself as one of the best defensive prospects in the nation, and now he’s ready to turn pro.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who described the freshman star as a “projected lottery pick,” reported that Williams declared for the 2024 NBA draft on Monday.
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Colorado Buffaloes freshman G Cody Williams – an expected lottery pick — is entering the 2024 NBA Draft, he tells ESPN. Williams – No. 10 in ESPN’s list of Top 100 prospects – is one of draft’s best defenders, using a 6-foot-8 frame and 7-1 wingspan to his distinct advantage. pic.twitter.com/5hnlEw0eTf
Williams is the younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams. In his lone year with the Buffaloes, he averaged 11.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 55.1 percent from the field and 41.5 percent from beyond the arc.
While his averages may seem modest, Wojnarowski and Jonathan Givony noted that the youngster “was unable to display the best version of himself due to a series of minor injuries last season.”
Still, Williams’ effort on the defensive end was lauded. Wojnarowski and Givony noted that he “brought an elite level of intensity guarding the best scorer that Colorado faced on most nights.” On offense, he “showed an ability to attack in the open floor using his size, long strides, footwork and creativity as a finisher.”
In his most recent mock draft, B/R’s Jonathan Wasserman projected Williams to land with the Chicago Bulls with the No. 11 pick. However, it was noted that he has a vast draft range.
“He could go in the top five to a patient team that values the two-way wing archetype and wants to bet on more creation and shooting development,” Wasserman stated. “He could also slide into the Nos. 10-14 range if enough teams see too lengthy a project based on low-volume perimeter shotmaking and limited off-the-dribble game.”
Despite Williams’ raw talent on offense, his defensive prowess gives him the chance to be successful at the next level.
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