Common consensus on Rodney Williams: Athleticism alone not enough for NBA
By Frank Bi
Mar 24, 2013; Austin, TX, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Rodney Williams (33) drives against Florida Gators guard/forward Casey Prather (24) during the second half in the third round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at Frank Erwin Center. Florida won 78-64. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
Rodney Williams had a pre-draft workout Wednesday at the Target Center in which all 30 NBA teams were in attendance.
As the only Gopher to participate in the workout (Trevor Mbakwe declined the invitation), Williams garnered plenty of media attention post-practice.
Williams, a graduate of Robbinsdale Cooper High School, was Mr. Basketball in Minnesota and signed with the local team as a four-star recruit. But the expectations fans had on him to produce immediately did not pan out as many had hoped.
Despite his inability to lead the Gophers in his four years, Williams received national attention as an athletic freak whose in-game dunks caused chaos and repeat appearances on SportsCenter’s Top 10. But as the pre-draft workouts rolled on, it became apparent his athleticism will not be enough for Williams to make it in the NBA.
When asked how Rodney Williams' game translates, Flip says, "Right now, nothing. He's an athlete but your other skills have to develop."
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) May 29, 2013
Kare 11 just showed a highlight real of Rodney Williams workout with the twolves and he airballed his shot... smh wow
— Austin (@AustinWasTaken) May 30, 2013
Flip Saunders on Rodney Williams: "Everybody knows he's a great athlete, but at this level, you don't just get by with athleticism."
— Phil (@PhilErvin) May 29, 2013
Rodney Williams said he's open to the idea of playing overseas if he goes undrafted. "Anything to help me get to my dream, that’s the NBA."
— Tyler Mason (@tylermason21) May 29, 2013
Flip says he expects to have Rodney Williams back for an individual workout as the draft approaches. Trevor Mbakwe will come in as well
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) May 29, 2013
Flip says Rodney Williams' best chance to succeed in NBA is as SG. That means he has a lot of work to do.
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) May 29, 2013
Rodney Williams just finished his workout with the Wolves. From what we saw, looked bit timid, floating on the wing
— Nate Sandell (@NSandell) May 29, 2013
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