ROANOKE, Va.--Pardon Virginia Military Institute graduate Reggie Williams for being frustrated. Though he led Division I in scoring the past two seasons (28.1 points per game in two years ago, 27.8 last year), Williams has had to prove to National Basketball Association teams that he is more than just a product of a fast-paced, high-scoring collegiate system.
“It can be really frustrating,” Williams said. “I’m grateful for the chance, but people look at the school that I played for instead of the talent and ability I have on the court.
“I just hope they can see that and give me an opportunity.”
The Keydets play a fast-paced style that leads to high scores for both teams.
“A few times I thought about (transferring to) other schools to try to get more publicity, but at the end of the day I’m happy I finished at VMI,” said Williams, who was not offered a scholarship to any other Division I schools out of high school.
When doubters said his numbers were inflated by playing against weak competition (VMI plays in the Big South), Williams played well enough in April’s Portsmouth (Va.) Invitational and June’s NBA pre-draft camp to earn All-Tournament honors at both.
After hearing teams doubt his athletic ability, Williams, 6 ft. 5 in. and 200 lbs., went to the NBA’s combine in early June and tested in the top quarter of guards overall.
After critics said all he could do was score, nbadraft.net lists the 21-year old as having the third-highest basketball IQ in the draft and as the fifth-best passer.
Yet, despite being one of nine players to lead Division I in scoring multiple years (a list that includes greats Pete Maravich and Oscar Robertson), Williams only has about a 10% chance to be drafted, said Jonathan Givony, president and director of scouting for draftexpress.com.
“I really like him as a player,” said Givony, who said Williams has an unorthodox style. “He’s smart, crafty, he has long arms and he’s skilled, but NBA teams like their shooting guards to be either great shooters or great ballhandlers, and he’s neither.”
Williams is listed in some mock drafts as going in the late second round.
His agent, Jerry Dianis, said a Western Conference team has promised to take Williams in the second round if available.
If he doesn’t hear his name called, he’ll play in the NBA’s summer league in hopes of--what else--proving he belongs.
