Smart Kid

Yesterday, UA freshman forward Marcus Williams decided to stay in school, rather than declare for the NBA Draft.

Now I will keep this short so I don't add fuel to Allyson's claims that I am obsessed with UA hoops (I am). I have been totally impressed with Williams all year long both on the court and in dealing with the media. This kid is as smart as he is skilled on the court. I can't remember a player who showed improvement on almost a game by game basis. Coach O has stated over and over that nobody he's coached has improved as much from the start of the season to the end. Think about that for a second while remembering some of the players who have gone through the hallowed halls of McKale center.

Editor's Note: Marcus had the best freshman year I can remember next to Bibby. Bibby is in a class of his own. He didn't improve because he was always the best. He and Miles Simon led us to the title. Nuff said.

Jason Gardner had a pretty good rookie season but he was also surrounded by some pretty decent players. Marcus wasn't. Let's look back the the 2000 Arizona Wildcats who inexplicably lost to Wisconsin in the 2nd round before going all the way to the finals in 2001 before being robbed of their 2nd NCAA title by Dook and the officials:

PG - Jason Gardner (Overseas)
SG - Gilbert Arenas (Wizards superstar)
SF - Richard Jefferson (Nets s superstar)
PF - Mike Wright (Overseas)
C - Loren Woods (Raptors starter)

Bench - Luke Walton (Lakers starter)

I digress...

Deciding to stay another year and to continue to learn from the best coach in college basketball at getting players ready for the NBA is a smart move to say the least. Not only with this make the UA better (exponentially) but it will make him better and will earn him a lot more money in the long run.

Even if Marcus Williams stays only one more year, which is pretty darn likely, I believe he will be remembered for a long time around UA basketball. He's a special kid and we are lucky to have him. He's going to have a big year because it's HIS team this year.

Yesterday was a good day for UA hoops in an off season that has thusfar been filled with bad news.