07-09-2009, 10:01 PM
Louisville's Terrence Williams thought about entering the NBA Draft last season, but decided to come back for his senior season after a quick meeting with UofL coach Rick Pitino. That decision paid off Thursday night when Williams was selected No. 11 overall by the New Jersey Nets. Nets GM Kiki Vandeweghe loves Williams' game.
Associated Press
Terrence Williams was selected 11th by the New Jersey Nets.
"Physical ability: size, strength, quickness -- he has all of that," Vandeweghe said of the former Louisville star. "He really knows how to play, so his passing ability stands out. He makes others better, and plays very hard, so I think he's a great teammate."
Williams wowed the Nets during a six player workout last Friday. Vandeweghe said Williams' workout proved that he could be a versatile option for a Nets squad in need of help in the backcourt. Williams, who played point forward at UofL at times bringing the ball up the court, can help the squad at the 1, 2 and 3 according to the Nets.
"We see Terrence as an all-around player," Nets President Rod Thorn. "He's a great passer, a tremendous athlete, can play multiple positions, very strong and a player that we feel can play with a lot of different lineups. He can play very well. We're very, very high on him."
Just before the draft, the Nets made a trade that sent wingman Vince Carter to Orlando in exchange for former Western Kentucky star Courtney Lee, Tony Battie and Rafer Alston. The Nets also have projected starters Devin Harris and Brook Lopez.
"(The Nets have) great players," Williams added. "Everybody knows Devin Harris, he's an All-Star and he's a great player. You see what Courtney Lee does off the bench, so that's a great asset to the team. Lopez, I played against him when he was at Stanford in the tournament, great player."
Williams, who is the highest U of L player selected in the draft since Samaki Walker was the ninth overall choice in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, also likes the opportunity to play in the New York market.
"It's a great market with New Jersey, you know, and they will be moving to Brooklyn eventually," Williams said after the selection.
After playing in the Big East for four seasons, Williams is very familiar with the New York market. This season, the Cardinal star helped UofL attain its first-ever Associated Press No. 1 national ranking and the program's first Big East Conference regular season title. UofL also won its first Big East Conference tournament championship.
Williams was likely a late-first or second-round pick in last year's draft, but helped himself tremendously with a strong senior season. Williams led the Cardinals in assists (5.0), steals (2.3) and three-point goals (57) while ranking second on the team in scoring (12.5) and rebounding (8.6). According to UofL, Williams is the only player in Louisville history with career totals over 1,500 points, 900 rebounds, 500 assists and 200 steals.
Williams became the Cardinals' 19th All-America selection this season. He was on the final ballot for the Wooden Award for national player of the year and was one of 10 finalists for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, presented to the top senior in the nation. Williams was named to the Wooden Award All-America team, Sports Illustrated first team, Lowe's Senior CLASS first team, ESPN second team, Fox Sports second team, Associated Press third team, Rupp Awards second team and NABC third team.
According to the rookie salary cap, Williams' first contract will net him just under $6 million for his first three years in the league.
Associated Press
Terrence Williams was selected 11th by the New Jersey Nets.
"Physical ability: size, strength, quickness -- he has all of that," Vandeweghe said of the former Louisville star. "He really knows how to play, so his passing ability stands out. He makes others better, and plays very hard, so I think he's a great teammate."
Williams wowed the Nets during a six player workout last Friday. Vandeweghe said Williams' workout proved that he could be a versatile option for a Nets squad in need of help in the backcourt. Williams, who played point forward at UofL at times bringing the ball up the court, can help the squad at the 1, 2 and 3 according to the Nets.
"We see Terrence as an all-around player," Nets President Rod Thorn. "He's a great passer, a tremendous athlete, can play multiple positions, very strong and a player that we feel can play with a lot of different lineups. He can play very well. We're very, very high on him."
Just before the draft, the Nets made a trade that sent wingman Vince Carter to Orlando in exchange for former Western Kentucky star Courtney Lee, Tony Battie and Rafer Alston. The Nets also have projected starters Devin Harris and Brook Lopez.
"(The Nets have) great players," Williams added. "Everybody knows Devin Harris, he's an All-Star and he's a great player. You see what Courtney Lee does off the bench, so that's a great asset to the team. Lopez, I played against him when he was at Stanford in the tournament, great player."
Williams, who is the highest U of L player selected in the draft since Samaki Walker was the ninth overall choice in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, also likes the opportunity to play in the New York market.
"It's a great market with New Jersey, you know, and they will be moving to Brooklyn eventually," Williams said after the selection.
After playing in the Big East for four seasons, Williams is very familiar with the New York market. This season, the Cardinal star helped UofL attain its first-ever Associated Press No. 1 national ranking and the program's first Big East Conference regular season title. UofL also won its first Big East Conference tournament championship.
Williams was likely a late-first or second-round pick in last year's draft, but helped himself tremendously with a strong senior season. Williams led the Cardinals in assists (5.0), steals (2.3) and three-point goals (57) while ranking second on the team in scoring (12.5) and rebounding (8.6). According to UofL, Williams is the only player in Louisville history with career totals over 1,500 points, 900 rebounds, 500 assists and 200 steals.
Williams became the Cardinals' 19th All-America selection this season. He was on the final ballot for the Wooden Award for national player of the year and was one of 10 finalists for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, presented to the top senior in the nation. Williams was named to the Wooden Award All-America team, Sports Illustrated first team, Lowe's Senior CLASS first team, ESPN second team, Fox Sports second team, Associated Press third team, Rupp Awards second team and NABC third team.
According to the rookie salary cap, Williams' first contract will net him just under $6 million for his first three years in the league.