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Tennessee basketball: Grant Williams leaving was a smart move for Grant

By Billy Williford

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 02: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates in the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena on March 02, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 02: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates in the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena on March 02, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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After having a good day one at the NBA Draft Combine, Grant Williams announced he is keeping his name in the NBA Draft which was a very smart move.

Well, Tennessee basketball fans received some bittersweet new the latter part of Friday morning. Around 10:00 am, Grant Williams announced via Twitter that he would remain in the NBA Draft forgoing his senior season with the Vols.

What a gut-punching 1:10-minute video from the back-to-back SEC Player of the Year. But, as Vol fans, you have to be happy with what Grant meant to the program as well as excited for the opportunity he has in store for his career.

In the video, Williams said after receiving feedback from NBA teams he is staying in the NBA Draft. He went on to thank Volnation for being the best fans in the land as well as all his coaches.

No one should be surprised with this announcement, Williams can ball, and he is one of if not the smartest player in the draft.

In his 5-on-5 scrimmage from yesterday, he didn’t light the scoreboard up. In fact, it was one of the worst shooting percentages I’ve ever seen from Williams. In 28 minutes, the most from either team, he finished 2-for-13 from the floor, including 0-for-5 from the three-point line. However, he had two rebounds, four steals, and three blocks to pair with five points.

That stat line isn’t going to jump out at you, but he made a significant impact in the game. Grant was fabulous at knowing the right time to set screen and back screens. He knew when to stretch the floor or flash to the ball. He also worked the offense and passed the ball really well.

As far as where Grant will land its kind of up in the air. As for ESPN, they list Williams getting draft with the No.23 pick overall to the Utah Jazz. The other day CBS had Williams going as high as No.13.

Next. Top 10 out of state Vols for 2019 season. dark

Who knows where Williams will wind up, but there is a 100 percent chance he will be drafted. It will be interesting to keep an eye on. I think it’s safe to say a lot of Tennessee fans will have a couple of new NBA teams to root for after the 2019 NBA Draft.

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