NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2012: Derrick Williams Will Steal Show by Winning Crown

Taking nothing away from the participants in the 2012 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest, this year’s annual event has the potential of being one of the worst ever.

We have a guy with two first names (Paul George), a former volleyball player (Chase Budinger) and some guy who averages 1.7 points per game (Jeremy Evans).

I mean, really? Former Arizona standout Derrick Williams will steal the show on Saturday night; there's no reason for it not to happen. 

All kidding aside, these players are talented and athletic. I wouldn’t be surprised if they put on a nice showing, but you got to draw the show in to put on a memorable performance.

This crew doesn’t do it for me.

Williams is the guy I will key on Saturday night because of what we saw for the Wildcats last year. Williams was dunking on fools left and right while making a case for being the top pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

How has he been doing this year?

He averages 7.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per contest—not exactly the numbers most expected.

But now it’s time for Williams to finally make his name relevant in 2012 by putting on a magnificent performance. Not only can Williams fly through the air at great heights, but his ferocity at the cup will be the biggest difference-maker to why he wins the dunk contest.

Power is severely underrated when it comes to dunking the basketball. Williams will have the best power of the night and it will get noticed by the judges. 

It will also help that people will actually recognize his face. That always helps, too.