3. Alan Williams
Alan Williams has one elite skill that he can hang his NBA hat on: rebounding. Is that enough to warrant him attention from the Phoenix Suns, a team that desperately needs some frontcourt depth? With every ounce of Williams’ 261-pound frame, I’d say yes.
As the nation’s leading rebounder this past season, Williams led UC Santa Barbara with 17.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. At 6’8″, he’s really a center trapped in a power forward’s body, but Williams’ nifty footwork and ability to finish around the rim would make him a nice bruiser off the bench for any team.
Alan Williams (PF, out of my alum, UCSB!) after his Lakers workout: "I believe I'm the best rebounder in this draft class."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) June 2, 2015
Rebounding is a skill that translates to the NBA level, and when asked about what makes him such an elite rebounder, his eyes practically lit up when he answered, “I study the game. I study the rebounding. I love to do it, it’s something that I really take pride in and my dad has drilled it in my mind and heart for so many years.” I wouldn’t want to do battle on the boards with someone so big and so dedicated to that physical aspect of the game.
At 22 years of age, he’s a bit older than you typically like to see, and there have been questions about his conditioning. But Williams would provide the kind of frontcourt depth this team needs, so depending on who’s available, why not take this Phoenix native with the 44th pick?
Next: No. 2