Show Me the Money!(Williams)

Breaking down the skillset of one of college basketball's better kept secrets and a potential 2027 NBA Draft Pick

Although the NBA is forever evolving and chasing after the newest, shiniest toy, the need for high-end guard play is something that has always been prevalent. Seemingly every year in the playoffs, us basketball fans are reminded just how valuable having good guard play is. Even if it’s a tertiary guard playing a handful of spot minutes, just having an extra body who can both handle defensive pressure and get the team into sets is a valuable piece. Of course, it’s just an added plus if said player can provide more as either a scorer or a playmaker – or both if you want to get really greedy. But the insulation itself is enough to warrant guards being drafted high in each and every class. The 2027 draft will likely be no different, as there is no shortage of guys on the path to being drafted. With that said, there is always a name or two who emerges from the dark, presenting themselves as a real NBA prospect despite starting in relative obscurity. In Money Williams’ case, I’m not sure if I can place that “unknown” billing on him as, after all, he was one of the most productive players in the entire country and has already been on a steady, positive developmental trajectory.

It isn’t just Williams the player that’s worth rooting for either, as his story alone is enough to jerk some tears. In Williams’ freshman year of college, he got off to a great start. Williams was averaging 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists, locking himself onto the track of potentially being the Freshman of the Year in the Big Sky. However, tragedy struck Williams right as he was hitting his stride, as out of the blue his father tragically passed away, giving Williams no option but to return home and be with his family through the tough times. At just 18 years old, Williams was already put into one of the most difficult decisions of his life, juggling whether he should return to his team or stay home and grieve with his family. Williams ultimately chose to make his return and was stellar doing so until, once again, he had to deal with hardship as a nagging foot injury kept him out for virtually the rest of the year. With that in mind, it was just Williams’ freshman year after all. Although his family lost a part of them that couldn’t be recovered, Williams still had his basketball career ahead of him, which was a blessing in itself. By the time his sophomore year rolled around, Williams was once again ready for action, hoping to take a step closer to his NBA dreams. However, just three weeks before the season was set to kick off, the Williams family was once again struck by tragedy, as his mother – a woman whom he called a queen and the heart and soul of the family – passed away in her sleep. Williams was once again forced to make a critical decision in regard to his family and his own future, this time not being able to go through the process with his mother to help. But Williams did what he always does and remained strong, utilizing the support he got from both his community and his family to will him and his sisters through the incredibly tough times and return to action by the time the season rolled around.

In other words, Williams’ passion and drive are commendable – something that each and every one of us can take a piece from. Knowing the kind of hardship he went through only makes me feel all the better for him and his family, knowing Williams got himself a healthy payday by going to Boston College. But like I hinted at earlier, Williams is far more than just a tragic tale. His ability to both battle through the situations he’s been in and come out stronger on the other side – both as a player and a person – is exactly why I am bought into him as a prospect. With that said, let’s dive into why.