Cody Williams: The Rapid Rising Wing with Top 5 Upside!
The Colorado Freshman has shown loads of potential since returning from injury, but how high will he end up going?
At a little over the midway point in the 23-24 CBB season, only a handful of freshmen have set themselves apart from the rest, think Ja'Kobe Walters, Rob Dillingham, and … Cody Williams. Colorado's star freshman has been on a tear recently, resulting in his draft stock soaring as NBA evaluators flock to Boulder to catch a glimpse of Tad Boyle's blossoming wing. The little brother of OKC Thunder star Wing Jalen Williams, Cody is only coming into his own and should have a bright future ahead of him.
Despite missing 8 games due to a wrist injury in December, the 6'8" Forward with an unofficial 7'0" wingspan has displayed the talent that saw him ascend toward the ladder half of his high school career. Over a recent 4-game stretch for the Buffaloes, Williams averaged 17.8 PTS/3.3 RBD/2.3 AST on 62.7/58.3/66.6 shooting splits, albeit those 3-point attempts being on relatively low volume, not to mention the 4 wins that came with this for Boyle's team. All the while, Williams provided his typical stifling defense, consisting of smaller defenders consumed by his unique length. Numbers are cool and all, but what allows Williams to have all of this continued success?
Strengths
Throughout Williams' first 13 games of his collegiate career, it's become evermore apparent that Williams stands out through his slashing, shooting (mostly as of late), and defense. Despite needing to put on muscle to be ready for the pro game, the display of finishes that Williams has shown throughout his first 13 games has been quite impressive. He's gotten lays over shot blockers, dunked on a few, and generally shown touch that is usually apparent in a Top 5 pick. It is worth noting, though, that Williams' lack of a proper frame has led to him getting bumped off of his line in addition to his okay handle.
As Williams' confidence ascends, he should continue to show off the various finishes he has in his bag, whether runners over bigs or punching it home with authority. And Williams should expect a lot more looks at the rim while attacking closeouts over the course of Pac-12 play as his budding jump shot continues to command the respect of defenses.
Another aspect of Williams' game that's been on display is his defense. Despite not being the quickest lateral defender, Williams' smothering length hounds guards into passing out, turning it over, or getting blocked. Similar to his older brother Jalen, Cody's ability to guard multiple positions is a skill that is highly translatable and should allow him to continue his ascent to the top of the 2024 draft boards. (X/tmetcalf11)
Williams should be able to see lots of minutes early in his rookie year due to his ability to guard. And the defending is not just individual; Williams also thrives as a team defender and should be able to slide right into an NBA defense.
Weaknesses
As it stands right now, Williams has the foundation of a really solid NBA player. He can shoot, defend, and pass at a pretty decent level. But, for Williams to take the next step in his development and follow in the footsteps of his brother Jalen, he must tighten up his handle. It's no surprise that Cody's playmaking ability will dictate his role at the next level, and the first step to tapping into that is by tightening up his handle. This will allow him to thrive on the ball more than he has this season under Tad Boyle. Although they're different players (can't be overstated enough. they are 2 different types of players at this stage), Jalen's ability to lead the Thunder's 2nd unit in an on-ball role is a look ahead to the future for Cody.
Additionally, it's worth monitoring Williams's pull-up jumper. Right now, the percentages don't favor this shot being in his game, but in due time, this should develop into a go-to shot once he has a few years of experience in the association.
Wrap-Up
Cody Williams has become a standout presence in the 23-24 CBB season, overcoming a brief setback due to a wrist injury. The Colorado freshman's recent four-game surge, marked by impressive averages and efficient shooting, has captured the attention of NBA scouts. Williams distinguishes himself through slashing abilities, improving shooting, and a disruptive defensive style reminiscent of his older brother, Jalen. While his game holds promise, areas for development include tightening his handle and refining his pull-up jumper. As Williams continues to evolve, he emerges not just as a prospect but as a canvas with the potential brushstrokes for an impactful NBA career, poised to carry on the Williams legacy.