Duke basketball: Player comparisons for seven incoming Blue Devils
Mark Williams. player. Pick Analysis. 7-foot-1. 225 pounds. Scouting Report. C. 434
- No. 29 overall recruit nationally
- No. 5 center
The 2020-2021 Duke basketball season may just come down to the production of Mark Williams on the inside. He won’t be relied upon to be an inside force like Vernon Carey Jr. was this past season, but that is not Williams’ game either.
When I visited IMG Academy back in January, he appeared to be more of a finisher than anything on offense. However, Williams’ ability to control the backboard and defend the rim at a very, very high level will go a long way in determining Duke’s peak next season.
On the other hand, his face-up game is improving, and I think his passing ability from the top of the key is arguably better than Carey’s already. Williams will need to add some muscle to his frame if he wants to hang down low at a consistent level, but his length and especially his motor are things you cannot teach. I see a lot of former Texas one-and-done Jaxson Hayes in his game right now.