VMI's Reggie Williams, who led the nation in scoring last season, announced yesterday that he will declare for the upcoming NBA draft as an early-entry.
But the 6-5, 195-pound junior from Prince George High indicated last night that he will almost certainly return for his final season with the Keydets.
Williams, who averaged 28.1 points last season, said he wants to "explore my options, get my name out there, and see where I stand" in the estimation of NBA scouts. He has not hired an agent. Doing so would conclude his amateur status, making him ineligible for future NCAA competition. By declaring as an early-entry, Williams' hope is to be invited to the NBA pre-draft camp, which will be held in Florida, starting May 29.
It's possible that Williams could participate in the camp, impress scouts, and be confident of selec- tion in the two-round NBA draft June 28. It's far more likely that Williams will not be projected as a draft choice. He said he understands that. By withdrawing his name before a June 18 deadline, Williams would be able to return to VMI and play as a senior.
His primary goal seems to be to raise his profile for next year's NBA draft. With a season of eligibility remaining, Williams said he does not intend to leave VMI to play professionally overseas or in a minor league. Asked if he thinks he will play in the NBA, Williams responded "I believe I can, but it's going to take some time. I'm a work in progress."
Williams emerged as a junior force in VMI's uptempo, pressing system. He set a Keydets single-season record with 928 points as VMI (5-9 Big South, 14-19) led the nation in scoring (100.9 ppg).
"People say 'Reggie scored so much because you guys led the nation in scoring,' but he still shot 53 percent," said VMI coach Duggar Baucom. "I think there are guys playing in the NBA not as good as he is. Is he ready right now? Reggie would be the first one to tell you that he has things to work on.
"I believe his best basketball is ahead of him."
NBA scouts have limited knowledge of Williams because they don't closely follow the Big South and the Keydets rarely have appeared on TV. If Williams received an invitation to the pre-draft camp, "he would be on everybody's radar for next season," Baucom said.
Williams remains enrolled at VMI, and yesterday continued with workouts designed to improve his offensive explosiveness and defense. He is a forward at VMI. By NBA scouts, Williams would be viewed as a guard prospect.
