Devin Williams announced that he was leaving the WVU basketball program in an attempt to play the game at the professional level. It looks like Williams is already getting that chance.
After his storied career with the Mountaineers, Williams is beginning to make a name for himself with NBA teams. He has started to practice with big-time programs, which is a good sign for his professional prospectus.
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Over the weekend, the Milwaukee Bucks announced that Williams was a part of one of their original rookie camps.
#WVU's Devin Williams worked out for the Bucks the other day, per the team's website. pic.twitter.com/PdxoYQUBOa
— Matt Welch (@MattWelch_) May 22, 2016
The Bucks touted Williams as a leading rebounder and noted the fact that he led the Big 12 in rebounds last season.
Along with Williams, other top basketball prospects also worked out for Milwaukee. Those players included LSU’s Time Quarterman, NC State’s Anthony ‘Cat’ Barber, Maryland’s Melo Trimble, Virginia’s Anthony Gill, and Wichita State’s Ron Baker.
Gill and Baker were the only two seniors from their respective schools. The rest, including Williams, were underclassmen.
Williams also reportedly had a workout with the Boston Celtics. Other prospects joining Williams were Michael Gbinige of Syracuse, Louisville’s Damion Lee, Gonzaga’s Kyle Wiltjer, Arizona’s Ryan Anderson, and Nevada’s Cam Oliver.
According to 247sports.com, the Celtics may be in a desperate measure for a player of Williams’ stature. The site reports that Boston has already parted ways with Amir Johnson. Now, Jonas Jerebko and David Lee may be on the way out.
The Celtics or Bucks may take a chance on a young, growing player. Williams may fit the bill.
Also on his side, is the help and support of Bob Huggins. The veteran head basketball coach has a history of producing NBA-level talent and his good spread may pay off and spread around the league.
Related Story: Devin Williams will leave WVU basketball team
Most recently, former WVU basketball player Juwan Staten made some appearances for the Golden State Warriors’ Developmental League program. However, he was also released from the organization.
For a deeper connection to the teams that Williams tried out for, Kevin Pittsnogle was signed by the Boston Celtics in 2005 and Joe Alexander was a NBA Lottery pick in 2008.
Williams has a better shot at the former scenario, rather than the latter. What team he goes to remains to be seen.
For Williams to get the opportunity to work out like he did in the past week could go a long way in determining his professional fate.