Preseason Mr. Basketball Candidate: Rashad Williams
Rashad Williams is a 6’3 combo guard at Wayne Memorial. As this season approaches, his name is quickly rising on the list of Mr. Basketball candidates. The 2018 class in Michigan is stellar and there are many deserving candidates. That being said, Williams has long lingered in the shadows, but he is here and he is talented. At this point he is included in small list of front runners for the award.
Rashad Williams is committed to Cleveland State which should be a great fit for him. He is probably the best pure shooter in the state of Michigan’s 2018 class. His shot is a work of art from a technical standpoint and he can get it off fast. Even against a good defender, he can load up and get the shot off. Williams does not have to worry about range since his jumper is solid from just about anywhere. He is equally as dangerous whether shooting off the dribble or on a catch. Williams is not just a shooter. He can score from all three levels and can create his own opportunities or flurish within an offensive set. Williams can handle the ball and is the definition of a combo guard as he is able to run an offense and set up his teammates. He’s a physically strong athlete who can match up at either guard spot defensively. Rashad Williams is a workhorse. Mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays…..he’s always in the gym.
PRODUCTION
This is where Rashad Williams shines. There is no talk about potential or what he could accomplish or become. He is a performer. You can count on Williams to consistently put up numbers no matter the venue or the opponent. Last high school season he averaged 24.1 ppg, 6.4 apg, and 4.2 rpg. Williams was a consensus 1st Team Class A All-State performer. He also garnered a 1st Team All KLAA accolade. Williams continued to produce numbers in the spring and summer. While playing for The Family in the spring he averaged 9 ppg while playing 11 mpg. Williams shot 50% from the floor, 40% from three point range and 90% from the line. While playing for REACH this summer he had 30 point games against Mac Irvin (32), C2K (31), Team Takeover (38), and Boo Williams (37). He also had over 20 points against NY Lightening and Cal Supreme of the EYBL. Williams was also named the Toledo Summer League MVP.
Rashad Williams can be counted on to produce just as staggering numbers this coming high school season. Playing as a combo guard should allow him to freely stack up points, assists, and rebounds, as his team relies on him in all three areas. Williams stat lines should benefit from him being a versatile player.
TEAM PERFORMANCE
In 2016-2017 Rashad Williams led Wayne Memorial to a 4 loss season. They won the KLAA Conference Championship. They are an improved team in 2017-2018 and this should provide ample opportunities for Williams to perform on a big stage. The team is talented, and Rashad is their unquestioned leader. Wayne Memorial could make a deep playoff run this year. If they do, that should be beneficial to Williams’ opportunity to take home the 2018 Mr. Basketball title. This will be especially true if he can manage to come across the team of another Mr. Basketball candidate. If they do, his performance in that game and the result of that game may have ramifications in the voting.
COMPETITION
There is no question that Michigan’s class of 2018 is one of the deepest and most talented in recent memory. The preseason group of leaders for Mr. Basketball is at least twice as large as usual. There are 9 high major recruits in this class and a handful of mid-major talent. Even competing against high-major commits, Williams puts up numbers and performances that are staggering. His performance and numbers alone should put him in the mix. Some of the other leaders in the Mr. Basketball race may have to share the stage with high-major talent on their own team. This could be beneficial to Williams when voting takes place. While he isn’t committed to an in-state Division 1 school, Cleveland State is still a quality D1 program and relatively close to home which could be a factor.
MY TAKE
There is the potential problem of splitting votes with other Detroit area stars. Williams however, has an advantage in this area. Being overshadowed for so long despite his stellar performances and accolades has allowed him to create a large and loyal base of supporters. These supporters may not be swayed away from their belief that he’s the best choice for Mr. Basketball, despite the heavy competition in the area. Williams would benefit significantly from a great season by his Wayne Memorial team. There is no player statewide that he can’t match up with and a big season from his team will provide him the opportunity for more of these opportunities. That could in essence, allow the Mr. Basketball candidates to settle it on the court. Rashad Williams should be considered one of the top five candidates to bring home the 2018 Mr. Basketball award.
https://youtu.be/PEPLR2AUFIc