After nearly six months of summer basketball, the travel season has ended and the yearly shift towards high school hoops has finally begun. Although there is still a lot of basketball going on between camps, fall leagues, and other preseason jamborees, this is typically the quietest time of the year for the grassroots community. Which, in turn, means there’s no better time to start highlighting individuals who have the tools and ability to be breakout players over the next eight months. While this notion could certainly apply to a variety of prospects, the emphasis is primarily on younger guys with an increased role, new school situation, or those who simply take the next step in their progression. JT Williams (The Burlington School/Team Loaded South) consistently turned heads with his impressive play throughout the travel ball season. Let’s take a closer look…
After recently announcing his decision to transfer to The Burlington School, the expectations for Williams continue to grow. Coming off a strong freshman campaign at Cresset Christian, where he averaged 10.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.2 APG, and 3.1 SPG with 44/30/55 shooting splits, it’s easy to be optimistic. He’s a dynamic, twitchy lead guard who fills it up as a scorer and displays sharp instincts as a playmaker. Although it took him a little time to get properly acclimated to being a focal point last year, Williams only got better as the season carried forward. In the last five games, he upped those averages to 17.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.0 APG, and 5.0 SPG with much better efficiency across the board. He kept making strides following the high school season and is arguably playing his best basketball going into his sophomore year.
In terms of his on-court identity, Williams is comfortable dictating the action as a main creator. He’s quick and crafty enough to relentlessly break down opponents off the bounce, touch the paint, and make plays for himself and others. Williams scores the ball at a healthy rate from all levels. He displays the ability to knock down jumpers from beyond the arc, pick his spots in the midrange, and finish effectively for his size. Williams is a willing passer who sets up others in scoring positions on a regular basis. He’s a scrappy on-ball defender with the ability to force turnovers well. Williams is also a very solid rebounder, particularly for his size/position, and can create transition opportunities with his open-floor speed. Expect him to be a valuable difference-maker for the Spartans.