:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31405957/451427947.0.jpg)
Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, Julius Randle. College basketball and NBA fans wont be surprised when these freshman decide to (or already have) put their names into the upcoming NBA draft on June 26.
One of the names many people didn't expect to see, especially Husky fans, was point guard Nigel Williams-Goss. According to a report released yesterday by Comcast Sportsnet Northwest, Williams-Goss and his family are considering putting his name into the NBA Draft. With the one source in the article being anonymous, fans and even other media members weren't sure what to think of it.
Late Tuesday night, Sports Radio KJR's Dave "Softy" Mahler got in touch with Williams-Goss over text and sent out this Tweet, making the report a lot more believable and putting many Husky fans in shock.
Just got a text from Nigel Williams-Goss: "Yes I'm definitely considering that possibility (entering draft) and exploring my options."
— Dave Softy Mahler (@Softykjr) April 9, 2014
Since last night both the Seattle Times and the Tacoma News Tribune have released reports confirming that the rumor is true and that Goss is considering entering the NBA draft.
"It could be a real possibility based on his performance compared to the other players that have entered the draft and are being considered by the NBA," Virgil Williams-Goss, Nigel's father, told the Tacoma News Tribune. "His numbers are better as a freshman. It’s definitely a serious consideration."
"If he gets the feedback that is favorable, obviously we will pursue the NBA," Virgil Williams-Goss told the Tacoma News Tribune. "That’s his ultimate goal, and I think we would pursue it only with a very educated amount of information, and if not, we’re definitely coming back to Washington and trying to improve the Huskies situation for next year."
In his first season with the Huskies, Williams-Goss averaged 13.4 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. Many assumed he would take on a bigger scoring and playmaking role next season with the UW losing leading scorer C.J. Wilcox to graduation.
If he decides to enter the draft, Williams-Goss will be competing with other point guards such as NCAA tournament MVP Shabazz Napier, Kyle Anderson, Marcus Smart, Jahii Carson, Tyler Ennis, and Australian Dante Exum.
Personally I would be shocked if he decided to go pro, but it seems like he is getting a lot of push from his parents, especially his father, to explore his options and see what the scouts say.
With the Huskies already losing Desmond Simmons, and Robert Upshaw still a mystery, the UW can't afford to lose many players, especially their starting point guard and leading returning scorer. Unfortuneately, all Husky fans can do is wait and see how the process unfolds.
Should Nigel Williams-Goss turn pro or return for his sophomore season at the UW? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.