WATCH: Former Duke star Mark Williams compares shot-blocking ability to sister
Former Duke Blue Devils big man Mark Williams is on the road to the 2022 NBA Draft. During a sit-down interview at the NBA scouting combine, the former Blue Devils defensive star spoke on his shot-blocking ability and how it transitions to the next level. And during the interview, Williams compared his ability to block shots to Duke women’s basketball all-time leader in blocks, his sister, Washington Mystics big Elizabeth Williams.
“She’s obviously a defensive, or probably one the best defenders for the Duke women’s program,” said Mark of his sister. He finished off the comment by revealing what he learned from Elizabeth.
“… You know, just her timing, her instincts. So obviously, she had a great feel for shots.”
Check out the video below for the complete segment of Mark Williams’s interview and comparison with his sister.
Elizabeth Williams played four seasons for the Blue Devils. In her final season, she nearly averaged a double-double with 14.5 points, nine rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Arguably her most significant contribution to the Blue Devils’ women’s basketball was her shot-blocking ability. Williams finished her career with 426 total blocks; the highest in Duke women’s basketball history and good for No. 9 all-time in NCAA history.
Where 2022 NBA Draft analysts project Duke players to land
After making a run to the Final Four in Mike Krzyzewski’s final season, Duke could have plenty of talent go to the NBA in the 2022 NBA Draft. In fact, five players might be first-round talent.
ESPN, CBS Sports and USA Today all dropped updated mock drafts after Tuesday’s NBA Draft Lottery, which saw the Orlando Magic come away with the No. 1 overall selection. The last Duke player to go in the top three was Zion Williamson, who went No. 1 overall to the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2019 NBA Draft.
But that could change in the 2022 NBA Draft if the three projections are an indication.
Mark Williams
ESPN: No. 13 overall to the Charlotte Hornets
CBS Sports: No. 13 overall
USA Today: No. 13 overall
Williams became the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021-22 and led Duke with 2.8 blocks per game. He took quite a leap, and ESPN’s Jonathan Givony argued he could build off that and create a strong pick-and-roll combination with LaMelo Ball, especially since he shot 72% from the field…
For the complete list check out On3’s Nick Schultz article for more.