There is a lot of smoke out of College Park that 1st team All-ACC Jordan Williams is considering forgoing his final two years of collegiate eligibility, and entering the 2011 NBA Draft.

These rumors grew in volume yesterday when Keith Cavanaugh of the Terrapin Times stated on 105.7 FM that Williams is a ‘90% lean to leave.’ I respect Cavanaugh, and have listened to him for years. I have no problem admitting that Cavanaugh is better plugged in then myself with all things Terps.

That said, unless there are other things going on behind the scenes, I think Cavanaugh has read this incorrectly. Frankly, this rings very similar to the Vasquez stories before he returned for his Senior year. Over and over we kept seeing on Maryland message boards and on the Maryland talk-shows that ‘people in the know,’ were stating there was no way Vasquez would be returning. What I said at that time was that it was logical for Vasquez to go through the NBA Draft process, not hire an Agent, and return.

I expect Williams to do the same. It makes sense for Williams to hear from the NBA of exactly how he is evaluated. Like Vasquez he will be told that he could be anywhere from the middle of the 2nd round to the end of the 1st. Like Vasquez, Williams will be knocked for not being a superior athlete. Like Vasquez, Williams will be lauded for his work-ethic, and effort.

As I’ve said before, I think the biggest issue for Williams is that most people believe he is not the 6’10 he is listed as, but 6’8. At 6’8 in the NBA, that makes him more of a Power Forward vs. a Center. As a PF in the pros, he will need an improved face-up game to succeed. Ultimately, I think the odds are extremely strong that he returns for his Junior year, especially once the potential NBA labor situation is factored in.

What if I am wrong?

If I am wrong, the 2011-12 season goes from being one with a lot of promise; to becoming a very difficult proposition for Coach Williams and the Terps. With Williams on the roster, the biggest question facing MD going into next year will be what they get at the PF position. Without Jordan, the front-court questions are immense. Padgett, Pankey, Bruenig, and Weijs sound great as a group adding collective depth; but envisioning two of them being ready to start next year is tough.

While Desmond Hubert remains on the board (still considered a Carolina lean) even if he committed, or MD signed another JUCO similar to the pedigree of Weijs – neither would make-up for losing a 3rd team All-American (FoxSports.com) and 1st team All-ACC caliber player. If we go with the premise that Williams leaves, and MD does not sign Hubert or a JUCO big the ’11-’12 team would look like:

2011-12 without Williams:
Guards:
Stoglin, Howard,  Faust, Gibbs
SF: Mosley, Hawk, Parker
Bigs: Padgett, Bruenig, Weijs, Pankey

Still a team with some skill, but a team that I would go into the season thinking projects to be on the outside of the NCAA Bubble. If Maryland failed to reach the tournament again next year, the pressure on Coach Williams and the program would be immense.

You hate to put so much on the shoulders of one player, but the return of Jordan Williams will play a significant roll in how the Coach Williams’ era ends at Maryland. If Jordan returns for his Junior year, that team should finish in the Top 4 of the ACC and be capable of damage in March.

If Jordan were to return for his Senior year he would be surrounded by a cast that should be a legitimate National power.

2012-13 with Williams:
Guards: Stoglin (Jr.), Howard (Jr.), Faust (Soph), Gibbs (Soph)
SF: Hawk (Jr.), Parker (Jr.), Anderson (Frosh)
PF: Bruenig (Soph), Padgett (Sr.)
C: Williams (Sr.), Pankey (RS Soph / Jr.)

Maryland also continues to heavily recruit 5 Star Center Shaquille Cleare, who could join Anderson in that Frosh class. See Matt Bracken’s / The Baltimore Sun’s Recruiting Report from today: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/recruiting/2011/03/weekly_recruiting_roundup_173.html

I’m a Terrapins fan, so I recognize I have my own selfish motives for wishing Williams returns for not only his Junior year, but his Senior year. I also think it would be in his best interests. However, if Williams disagrees and he wants to follow his dream now – you just have to tip the cap and wish him all the best.

For right now, I suggest that everyone should take a deep breath and let the process play itself out.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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