Duke basketball: Grading each Blue Devil through three games
By Matt Giles
Grading Duke basketball freshman Mark Williams through three games
Watching Mark Williams serve as a human flyswatter and all-around competent Duke basketball big man against Bellarmine makes one question why the former five-star recruit saw only four minutes of action both in the loss to Michigan State and in the season-opening win over Coppin State.
That said, judging from the drawn start and 15 minutes against the Knights on Friday night, it does look as if Mike Krzyzewski has finally recognized the value that Williams brings — even if he can only go for so long in any given stretch because of lingering tendinitis.
Against Bellarmine, Williams made his presence known from the opening tip, literally. Immediately after winning the jump in his first college start, the 7-foot, 245-pound rookie out of Virginia Beach, Va., popped out to the top of the key, caught the attention of Jordan Goldwire on the wing, and then relayed an on-the-money touch pass to Matthew Hurt under the basket for an easy score.
Williams has already proven able to zip decisive passes out to perimeter shooters. He can finish around the basket. He can be a nightmare for opposing offenses around the rim.
However, given that 1) Williams hasn’t proven able to play more than 15 minutes in a game, 2) he doesn’t appear to boast top-of-the-line mitts for a big man, and 3) he seems to have limited moves on offense, his marks here can be only so high at this juncture…
The grade for Mark Williams through three games: 84 (B)