2. Arkansas Upsets Gonzaga
Jaylin Williams is a possible replacement for Tristan Thompson if the veteran decides to retire, and can be developed into Nikola Vucevic’s replacement. That development will be key, as he currently has a high ceiling without the full arsenal.
He has been a catalyst for the Razorbacks’ March Madness run, averaging 13 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and one block in 30 minutes per game. He has a great feel for the game on both sides of the ball and has gotten better as the year has progressed.
Jaylin Williams with the deep ball 🎯
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) March 20, 2022
(via @CBSSports)pic.twitter.com/GrUuHxPyia
Practice makes perfect, but being thrown to the wolves makes a leader of the pack. Not only will the Gonzaga matchup be a test for Williams’ defensive abilities, it’ll also prepare him for the current fast-paced, perimeter-centered game that most NBA teams play.
Right now, the Bulls are going through the wringer trying to end close games strong. They fail to match other elite teams’ playoff-esque intensity because they don’t a lot have players who have been in those high-intensity situations.
Adding a rookie who hasn’t even had a tough college postseason would be going backwards for the Bulls. Williams has the physical makeup that the Bulls need. He just needs the mentality that comes with winning, and at least one more NCAA Tournament win can go a long way for him.