AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2007 > January > 09 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWilliams’ star dimming in NBA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Maybe if Louis Williams could do it all over again, he’d be playing at Georgia right now alongside former running mate Mike Mercer and not logging hefty minutes on the Philadelphia 76ers’ bench.
Williams opted to forego college after his outstanding senior season at South Gwinnett High to pursue the payday and limelight of the NBA. It started to seem like a bad decision on NBA Draft night, when he slipped all the way to the second round.
In one-plus seasons as a pro, Williams has scored a grand total of 27 points. He averaged more than that for his career with the Comets.
Surely, playing high school ball seems like a really long time ago for Williams, who — if you know him at all — would never admit to it. His outward confidence seems unshakable. Inside, it has to be eating him up that Allen Iverson was traded and he still cannot earn more than garbage minutes.
Meanwhile, Mercer is the leading scorer at Georgia.
Williams’ experiences as an NBA player can serve him well, if his self-esteem holds up. He’s seeing the country, flying in private jets, collecting a sizeable paycheck.
But he is not playing much basketball. At least not in the games. I operated under the notion that his athleticism and ability to score the ball would be enough in the NBA to get him on the court, where he could learn as he played.
That still might be the case, but the shine he created at South Gwinnett is not so bright anymore. He’s too young and too talented and too determined to deduce that he is in the wrong profession.
His day will come, I believe. But I’m sure, right about now, he’s longing to hear the crowd at a high school gym scream his name one more time.
Permalink | Comments (10) | Post your comment | Categories: Curtis Bunn
Comments
By pacersfan
January 9, 2007 04:53 PM | Link to this
saw shawn livingston the other night at the highlight factory - he was starting for the clippers in place of injured sam cassell - hard to believe that a kid with that much game was playing in high school a few months ago - i knew williams was good but not good enough to jump to the nba - before jumping a kid has to have the girth and strength, the stamina and the ability to completely dominate d1 college players on both ends of the floor and louis did not meet that criteria
By BJ
January 9, 2007 05:39 PM | Link to this
I will say this for Louis. When he played in the Dleague, which is at least as good as D1 competition, he dominated. My guess is that his time is fast approaching. If we don’t see anything from him in two more years then I would be concerned.
By Will Coats
January 9, 2007 05:57 PM | Link to this
I remember reading your column when he made his announcement…You could see your chest puffed out when you wrote about the PA announcers in NBA arena saying from South Gwinett High School and how he had proved he was ready to go pro…..it is people like you who fill these kids heads with the thought they can make it way too early …now they have a rule to try to stop the stupidity. If they have the talent a year or two in college to grow up , mature and get really good coaching cannot hurt them ..For every Kobe there are a dozen like Louis and for every one of them there are at least 6 adults that should have known better.
By Curtis Bunn
January 9, 2007 06:55 PM | Link to this
Will, I appreciate your position, but it’s DEAD WRONG. I never wrote anything about a PA announcer saying South Gwinnett in NBA arenas. So, that’s first. Second, people make decisions based on what THEY want to do. The adults you wrote of in his life allowed Louis to make a decision for HIS life. It’s not my call to make, and, if I HAD supported him going to the NBA from South Gwinnett, why would he listen to me? It’s easy and, frankly, pretty weak, to come back after the fact and play the high-and-mighty, all-knowing role. I NEVER wrote that Williams should go directly to the NBA, only that if he chose to, he had the skills to ultimately succeed. In fact, I wrote that he would have been better served playing under Dennis Felton at Georgia — and the life lessons college teaches are invaluable. So, all that said, Louis Williams’ story is not over. Let’s hope he writes one full of athletic success and personal growth.
By J.D. McClain
January 9, 2007 08:16 PM | Link to this
I believe it is too early to judge Mr. Williams. Other players such as Tracy McGrady and Jermaine O’Neal took some years to develop so let’s give Louis time and he will be OK. He may never be a superstar but he may. All we can do is wish him well and let him hit the weights and continue to build strength to go with his raw talent. Let’s not make the mistake of prejudgment.
By David P.
January 9, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
How many 6-1 shooting guards actually make in the the NBA? He’s got to work on becoming a better playmaker if he’s going to stay in the Association.
By Michael
January 9, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this
Hmmm….just curious….I don’t suppose Mr. Williams is utilizing that money and time to pursue his college degree. He made a stupid move. He could have gone to Georgia, matured, receive his degree, and still go to the NBA. Someone has to beat it into these dumb adults around these kids that there is more heartbreak than success in sports careers. Hopefully, he has some trustowrthy people around him to make he spending wisely and investing his money.
By darrell
January 9, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
I think that louis still has a chance to be a great player. Two years of college would have served him well but we can’t dwell on the past. What the sixers are trying to do,which is the same with most teams is mold these young players into what they want them to be. Louis has the skills its just about learning the NBA game and the point guard position. All he has to do is work relentlessly,get an opportunity and put in his mind that he will succeed and I believe he’ll be special.
By BJ
January 10, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
Curtis - I’m with you. Nobody in the media at the time said he SHOULD go. However, many noted his jawdropping skill set. One thing to note - the Sixers will tell anyone who will listen that they really like Williams talent. They gave him more money and more guarantee’s than they had to.
Louis will be fine.
Keep up the good work Curtis… Beau E.
By GA Buckeye
January 10, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
Hey, bring him back to Atlanta so he can play for the Hawks. He can be an addition to an already young team full of future role players that will eventually find out that college gives you an opportunity to learn the fundamentals. The NBA expects players to already know the stuff these guys missed and can rarely make up for it. There is just not enough time for practice when you play 82 games a year.