Derrick Williams Officially Declares for 2011 NBA Draft

It is a sad day in Arizona. Or at least at the University of Arizona. However, I’m sure the Sun Devils in Tempe are rejoicing that U of A’s star forward has declared for the NBA Draft.

Earlier today, Andy Katz (ESPNAndyKatz) reported via twitter: 

“No shock as Arizona announces Derrick Williams declares for NBA draft and will sign with agent. Williams in contention for No. 1 pick.” 

After William’s sophomore season, which not only earned Pac 10 Player of the Year honors but put him in contention to be named the National Player of the Year, his draft stock has skyrocketed. 

Before the season, Williams was projected as a mid to late first round pick, but it appears as if he is now a lock to be drafted in the top three. Many say he is worthy of the first overall pick, but that is for a different discussion. 

Williams' (@DWilluofA23) tweeted:

"I don't think anybody thought i would only be here for 2 years.. not even me.. i hope i left y'all with memories that will last forever."

Memories is an understatement, considering Williams was able to take the Arizona Wildcats to their first Elite Eight since 2005.

The Arizona faithful hoped that Williams return and guide the Wildcats even further in 2012, but it appears that that won’t be the case. With or without Williams, Arizona has a bright future, but they would have bee a force to be reckoned with if No. 23 suited up for the Cats for one more year. 

But despite Williams decision to leave for the NBA, it’s hard for Wildcat fans not to be proud of the 20-year-old kid whom they watched transition into—as Kenny Smith puts it—a man. Derrick truly is a wonderful success story. The kid from Southern California was No. 72 on ESPN’s list of top prospects out of high school in 2009, and he was unable to crack Rivals.com ‘s list of top 150 prospects. In fact, according to Jeff Eisenberg of Rivals.com, Williams even acknowledged that he wasn’t the focal point of Arizona’s 2009 recruiting class: 

“Not many people knew who I was back then,” Williams said. “They were excited about our whole class, but I wasn’t the main one they were focused on. There were not many people around me at all.” 

Williams’ hard work and determination made him go from merely average to one of the best players in the country. Nobody expected the remarkable improvement from Williams, according to Eisenberg, not even Arizona coach, Sean Miller. 

“Out of our five incoming freshman, he was probably the least heralded,” Miller said. “You knew you had a player that had great ability and one day could be terrific, but it’s happened in far more quick fashion than we expected.” 

I would have loved for Arizona to potentially make a run at the NCAA title, but going to the NBA was in Derrick’s best interest, and I cannot blame him for his decision. I believe I speak for all of the Arizona alumni across the nation when I say that I wish the best for Williams. 

With a possible lockout looming, Williams could miss out on an entire year of competitive basketball. A year to hone his skills will be beneficial to the 20-year-old forward, and besides, with his recent decision it is clear that he will have many, hopefully successful, seasons of professional basketball ahead of him.