Razorback sophomore forward Jaylin Williams from Ft. Smith, AR takes questions from reporters after their NCAA selection party at the Broyles Athletic Center last season inside the SEC Club in Fayetteville, AR.
by Nate Allen
FAYETTEVILLE – As expected, Arkansas Razorbacks sophomore center Jaylin Williams is exercising his option to explore entering the NBA draft but without hiring an agent which would insure him returning to Coach Eric Musselman’s 2022-2023 Razorbacks if he chose to do so.
“I am announcing my intention to enter the 2022 NBA Draft process,” Williams said in a statement through UA Communications. “However, I will not be hiring an agent to keep my eligibility with the University of Arkansas intact. I look forward to learning from the upcoming process, going through the interviews, gathering feedback and building relationships with NBA coaches and front office personnel.
My gratitude to Coach Musselman and the staff goes beyond words for helping me be in this position. I will keep all my options open and, after going through the process and talking with my family, my support group and the Arkansas coaching staff, I will make an informed decision when the appropriate time comes.”
Williams has until June 1 to decide whether to declare for the draft or withdraw from draft consideration.
The 6-10 2-year letterman from Fort Smith Northside has helped Arkansas ascend to consecutive NCAA Tournament Elite Eight appearances.
He came off the bench until starting the last five games of his freshman year and started all 37 games for this past season’s 28-9 Hogs averaging 10.9 points and a team-leading 9.8 rebound and leading the team by far in taking charges.
So far All-American senior guard JD Notae, who had a bonus senior year option because of the NCAA granting an extra season’s eligibility because of the 2020-2021 season’s covid pandemic interruptions, has declared he will hire an agent and turn pro.
Junior to be reserve guard Khalen “KK” Robinson and sophomore to be reserve guard Chance Moore have both submitted their names to the transfer portal
And sophomore to be forward Trevan Brazile has announced through the transfer portal that he has transferred from the University of Missouri to sign with Arkansas.