:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66682228/usa_today_13658796.0.jpg)
The name DeAndre Williams is someone that Kentucky Wildcats fan should keep their eye on, and a few of you might remember who he is.
Williams was a rising sophomore that played at Evansville this past season. Yep, Evansville. Sorry to bring back those bad memories.
Williams is a 6-9 forward and, with his late addition to the transfer portal, might be one of the best transfer options available this season.
Williams averaged a solid 15.2 points and 7 rebounds per game this past season. Against Kentucky, Williams only had 9 points and four rebounds, a less than stellar game against a struggling UK squad. However, that was only a rare blip as Williams had games of 37, 28, and 26 points. Those were his three highest scoring games this past season.
If Williams had played enough games to qualify, his 31.9 Player Efficiency Rating would have ranked 8th nationally, right behind behind Obi Toppin and just ahead of Carlik Jones. His 7.9 Offensive Box Plus-Minus would have ranked 8th, right behind Mason Jones.
Being in the same company as the National Player of the Year, the No. 1 graduate transfer, and an SEC Player of the Year candidate shows just how good Williams was when healthy.
Unfortunately, a back injury cost him much of January and February, so he was unable to put a full season together while playing at such a high level. Evansville was 9-6 before he got injured, then went 0-17 the rest of the way, even though Williams tried to make a late-season return.
Williams is not a grad-transfer, so he will not be immediately eligible, and unless the NCAA one-time time transfer rule is passed, he won’t be eligible regardless.
Still, Williams is someone that Kentucky could and should go after for the 2021-2022 season. With one more year of development under his belt, Williams could be a true force down low.
And if Williams ends up eligible next season, he could make a massive impact for a program like Kentucky.
A Sea of Blue comes loaded with the best Kentucky Wildcats links, news, analysis, and some other fun stuff, so be sure to go ‘like’ our Facebook page and then go follow us on Twitter.