LOOK: Jaylin Williams announces decision to stay in 2022 NBA Draft
Arkansas has seen the last of Jaylin Williams in a Razorbacks uniform.
Williams took to Twitter on Saturday to announce his decision to keep his name in the 2022 NBA Draft. He averaged 10.9 points per game this season to help the Razorbacks to a 28-9 overall record and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight.
“To Razorback Nation, Thank you!” Williams wrote. “For a kid that grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas, it has been nothing but a dream come true these past two years. All of the love has been felt. From court rushes to the March Madness runs, we could’ve never done it without all of you.
“From a very young age my dream was always to play in the NBA. That said, after careful consideration and many talks with my family, I have decided to forgo my remaining NCAA eligibility and pursue my lifetime goal of competing in the NBA.”
Williams’ name came up in one NBA mock draft from ESPN, and Jonathan Givony projects him to go to the Detroit Pistons as the No. 46 overall pick in the second round. He also participated in the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago earlier this month to try and improve his draft stock.
Top 10
- 1New
Quinn Ewers MRI
Texas 'cautiously optimistic' on QB
- 2Breaking
Kevin Wilson
Tulsa expected to fire head coach
- 3Hot
Updated SEC title game scenarios
The path to the championship game is clear
- 4
SEC refs under fire
'Incorrect call' wipes Bama TD away
- 5
'Fire Kelly' chants at LSU
Death Valley disapproval of Brian Kelly
How Jaylin Williams’ departure affects Arkansas in 2022-23
It’s one less piece for Eric Musselman to work with in 2022-23. However, Musselman and his staff got busy on the recruiting trail, hauling in the No. 2 recruiting class in the nation this year, according to the On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Ranking. Three five-star recruits — Nick Smith, Anthony Black and Jordan Walsh — are among the group and are all ranked as top-20 players in the nation, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
Additionally, former Rhode Island center Makhi Mitchell is in the fold after coming in via the transfer portal. He could be a piece Musselman turns to replace Williams’ production down low.