BROOKLYN, W.Va. — Convinced West Virginia was primed to make a deep NCAA tournament run, Devin Williams didn’t plan on contemplating his college basketball future so soon.
After the Mountaineers were eliminated by Stephen F. Austin in the opening round, however, questions shifted to next year’s plans and whether Williams might enter the NBA draft.
“A lot of mixed emotions right now, so I don’t want to say anything I’m not sure about,” Williams said.
The 6-foot-9 junior earned second-team All-Big 12 honors this season, averaging 13.3 points and 9.5 rebounds. Against SFA he collected 17 rebounds and 12 points for his 16th double-double. He leads the Big 12 in free-throw attempts and matched Baylor’s Rico Gathers for the highest rebounding percentage.
Aside from Williams’ NBA prospects, he figures to have many contract opportunities overseas. He also would be the centerpiece next season at West Virginia, which only loses two seniors from its 10-man rotation.
But after Friday night’s upset loss, Williams wasn’t ready to entertain the decision.
“I have a lot of feelings, so I wouldn’t want to say anything outlandish. I just want to be with my family and my team.”