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Report: Texas A&M’s Robert Williams is returning for sophomore season

By Chris Stone

Feb 22, 2017; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Texas A&M Aggies forward Robert Williams (44) reacts after a play in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas defeated Texas A&M 86-77. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2017; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Texas A&M Aggies forward Robert Williams (44) reacts after a play in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas defeated Texas A&M 86-77. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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The potential lottery pick is coming back for a second season in College Station

An early morning “Woj Bomb” from The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski set in motion the first surprise announcement of NBA Draft season. Wojnarowski reported that Texas A&M freshman Robert Williams was leaning towards returning to school for his sophomore year. Multiple reporters later confirmed via sources that Williams has indeed made the decision to forgo the 2017 NBA Draft.

Scout’s Evan Daniels reports that Williams’ decision centers around his maturity and desire to be the No. 1 overall pick. It’s a choice that will no doubt have ramifications for Williams’ professional career and for the Aggies as a whole.

After an impressive freshman season in which Williams averaged 18.3 points, 12.6 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per 40 minutes, he was projected as a lottery pick in the 2017 draft with the potential to work his way into the top 10. Williams would have been the draft class’s best rim protector and his athleticism would have shined during NBA workouts.

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The decision to return to school, while admirable because it shows a desire to improve, could backfire. The 2017 draft class is bereft of big men, which helped bolster Williams’ stock, but 2018 is loaded with them. DeAndre Ayton, Mohamed Bamba and Wendell Carter will all likely be valued more highly because of their youth than Williams and that doesn’t even factor in players like Gonzaga’s Zach Collins and Texas’s Jarrett Allen who could return and beat out Williams as well. The proverbial iron was hot for Williams this season and he’s certainly playing a risky game by waiting it out.

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That said, Williams’ decision is a terrific one for Texas A&M. The Aggies struggled this season, finishing 15-16 overall and 8-10 in the SEC, but with Williams, DJ Hogg and Tyler Davis all set to return, they’ll have a roster loaded with firepower.

Most importantly, Texas A&M will finally have a point guard. The Aggies struggled this season without freshman JJ Caldwell, a four-star recruit who was ruled ineligible by the NCAA prior to the start of the season. With Caldwell running the show and plenty of talent around him, Texas A&M should be in line to make the NCAA Tournament next season.