LOOK: Arkansas star Jaylin Williams teases potential return following NBA Draft declaration
Arkansas forward Jaylin Williams declared for the 2022 NBA Draft two weeks ago, however, on Sunday, he shared the first hint of a possible return to the program for a third season. Williams did not sign with an agent when he put his name in for draft evaluation, leaving the door open for a return in 2022-23.
On Sunday afternoon, Williams shared a hype video on Twitter without a caption and with no context. The video full of highlights from the 6-foot-9 big man’s All-SEC season was accompanied by Meek Mill’s ‘Dreams and Nightmares.’ The song includes the lyrics, “Hold up, wait a minute, y’all thought I was finished,” however, that chorus was not in the video.
It’s possible that a part two video is coming – which would undoubtedly be welcomed by Hog fans who are still coming down from a back-to-back Elite Eight run. Fans responded to Williams’ video in droves with the song’s most recognizable lyrics.
Williams exploring draft options
The 6-foot-10, 240-pound forward made major strides in his second collegiate season, starting 35 games while averaging 10.9 points and 9.8 rebounds. He was a critical part of the Razorbacks’ run to the Elite Eight this season, averaging 14.3 points and 10.3 rebounds across their four NCAA Tournament games. Williams also displayed a willingness to take charges, recording more than 50 in his sophomore season.
As a freshman in 2020-21, he made five starts while averaging 15.9 minutes across a total of 26 games. He immediately proved himself as an elite rebounder, leading the team with 12.1 boards on a per 40-minute basis. Arkansas also advanced to the Elite Eight that year after finishing with a 25-7 record under Eric Musselman.
ESPN’s latest mock draft has the L.A. Clippers drafting Williams in the second round at No. 45. By entering his name in the draft, he could participate in the NBA Combine from May 16-22. He would then have 10 days after the combine to either keep his name in the draft or remove it.
The 2022 NBA Draft will take place June 23 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. One Razorback other than Williams who will hope to hear his name called is JD Notae, who led the team with 19.3 points per game and 3.7 assists this past season.
A native of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Williams was the state’s High School Player of the Year in 2020. He recently accepted a key to the city of Fort Smith.