Hot Starts, Cold Hands, and Unusual Stats: Early-Season Prospect Observations
Exploring the early trends: breakouts, struggles, and stat quirks among top prospects
As the college basketball season heats up, I’ve been taking note of some fascinating early trends among this year’s prospects. From under-the-radar players showing promise to breakout stars making an impact, this season has already offered plenty of standout performances. We’ve seen players off to blazing starts, dominating with impressive scoring outbursts, while others are struggling to find their rhythm. And then there are those with some of the most unusual stat lines you’ll see, keeping things unpredictable.
Here’s a look at the prospects who have caught my eye so far, from those flying under the radar to those making headlines—and a few who still have work to do.
High Ceiling, High Curiosity: Prospects to Keep an Eye On
Money Williams
Money Williams is one of my favorite deep sleeper, under-the-radar prospects to watch this season, and his performance against No. 11 Tennessee showed exactly why. He erupted for 30 points on 8-of-15 shooting, knocking down 4-of-7 from three and converting 10-of-13 free throws. Williams was dynamic from the start, tallying 16 points by halftime, even as his team faced a big deficit.
One reason I was high on Williams is that he flashed his potential last season, scoring 13 points and dishing out 6 assists against Oregon in just his second college game.
Unfortunately, his freshman season was limited to 12 games due to a foot injury, but in his six starts, he averaged 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.
Williams faced an unimaginable challenge off the court. He had to step away from the team after his mother passed away suddenly in early October, just 11 months after his father’s death. With both parents gone, he assumed responsibility for his three younger siblings.
In the first three games of the season, he didn’t look like the same player I saw last year—for obvious reasons. I was glad to see him back on the floor, hoping basketball could be therapeutic for him after all he’s endured over the past year at such a young age. Last night against Tennessee, he delivered a big breakout performance. While averaging 30 points a game isn’t a sustainable expectation, he showed why he’s a dynamic prospect, becoming just the 11th player to score 30 points against a Rick Barnes-coached Tennessee team—and only the third to do it in Knoxville.
At 6'4" and 200 pounds, Williams combines a wide, strong frame with impressive burst, quickness, and change-of-pace skills. A product of Oakland High School—the same school as Damian Lillard—he led his team to its first-ever state championship.
Last season, he caught my eye with his 15-point second half against Houston and his 21-point game against San Jose State, where he showcased his poise and decision-making in the pick-and-roll.
A lefty with a tight handle, he uses his frame to create space and has a crafty scoring touch. Williams excels at splitting traps, changing speeds in transition, and using pivots and footwork in the paint. He’s a live-dribble passer with the vision to hit the roll man or pop guy.
Money Williams is a name to remember, though with a name like ‘Money,’ he’s hard to forget.
Note: Here’s more on Williams' story, from his GoFundMe page—he now faces the responsibility of caring for his siblings, who are at risk of being separated in the foster care system.