Mr. Basketball Preseason Candidate: Vincent Williams
Vincent Williams, a VCU commit from Toledo St. John’s, was one of two juniors named First Team All State in Division I last season. He averaged 15.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on a St. John’s team that was ranked #5 in the final AP State Poll. The Titans were eventually eliminated by Massillon Jackson in the Regional Finals. Williams was also named Second Team All State as a sophomore.
Based on the formula, Williams could join Marc Loving as the second Mr. Basketball from St. John’s since 2013. In looking at the formula below, Williams could build a very strong résumé next season.
First of all, Ohio’s Mr. Basketball must have elite talent. Since 2001, only LeBron James (#1 NBA Draft pick) and Justin Fritts (Wheeling Jesuit) didn’t play Division I basketball.
Next, we considered projected team success. Again since 2001, 10 of the 17 Mr. Basketball winners led their high school team to the State Final Four that season.
Then, the most important piece of the formula considered is production. We’re considering the player’s projected role on their team to predict if they have the opportunity to fill up the scorer’s book. It’s especially imperative that you put up points, as the only Mr. Basketball to average under 20 points since 2001 was Jared Sullinger at 19.9 points per game in 2009. But, Sullinger made up for that tenth of a point by averaging 14.8 rebounds, being the #2 player in the country, and winning the Division I State Championship.
So, where do we foresee our final preseason candidate scoring in each category?
Talent: A
Williams can play five positions in high school and probably three at Virginia Commonwealth. His combination of size and agility will allow him to get to any spot on the floor. While defenses would prefer Williams to settle for 3-pointers, he can score it from all over the court. Strong court vision and passing. Very strong rebounder, as he carves out space in the paint.
Williams was one of the breakout players on this season’s Nike EYBL circuit with All Ohio Red, where he averaged 12.4 points on 61 percent shooting, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.
Team Success A
In his third year leading St. John’s, Williams and the Titans enter as the best team in Northwest Ohio. They should dominate the regular season and be one of the top ten teams in the AP State Poll all season long. Williams is surrounded by fellow Division I prospect Houston King and new point guard Ryan Christie, who sat last season after transferring.
Production: A
Williams is going to have the ball in his hands often. Both King and Christie are quality catch-and-shoot guys, so expect Williams to act as the primary ball-hander at times. He can also create his own shots via the offensive glass. St. John’s will probably give King plenty of opportunities to work also, but Williams is their biggest mismatch.
Williams’ chances:
If Williams can maintain his rebounding and assists numbers while raising his scoring numbers up a decent amount, he will have a very strong candidacy for the award. Expect St. John’s to be one of the best six teams in Ohio at the end of the season. At the very least, it will be back-to-back First Team All State seasons for Williams.