No. 5 – Samuell Williamson, Wing
2019 stats: 4.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 0.6 assists
To start with Samuell Williamson as the fifth most intriguing player on the roster for Louisville basketball in 2020-21 may seem crazy, but that’s the type of roster we’re looking at for the Cards in 2020.
Williamson joined the Louisville basketball squad last season as their most recent, and Chris Mack’s first five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American as well as all of the hype that goes with it.
Some expected Williamson to be Mack’s first one-and-done, setting the bar and hype extremely high for the incoming freshman. With Jordan Nwora, Dwayne Sutton, and others on the roster, Williamson took on a secondary wing role off the bench, while trying to adjust to the college basketball game and learn Mack’s schemes.
Williamson had his ups and downs throughout the year looking like a potential first round pick at times while looking completely lost at others. It was easy for Mack to turn to his upperclassmen in crunch time or even when Williamson made mistakes, especially when defense was more of the focus than offense.
Despite the steep learning curve we caught glimpses of how special he can be, and now every one around the program is expecting one of those patented Louisville freshman to sophomore jumps we’ve seen with other big stars.
Mack has praised Williamson’s work ethic and dedication to the game, telling local media recently:
"“I think Sam Williamson looks night and day different. His understanding of what it takes to be prepared for a workout, to be ready to go from minute one versus last year at this time, it’s just night and day. He’s a lot bigger, a lot thicker, a lot stronger. I like to think that he can take and initiate contact much better than he could as a freshman.” I think he’s a lot more confident. He plays with a lot more energy than he did a year ago, a bigger voice. He’s not as quiet on the basketball floor.”"
Williamson is going to be counted on this season as a go-to player as Louisville tries to replace their incredible loss of scoring from a year ago, and I believe he’s up for the challenge.
You’d think with Williamson being the most hyped freshman in recent years and the fact that he’s being asked to become a primary scorer in year two, calls for more intrigue. However, I don’t think there’s any question around whether or not that’s going to happen.
The 6’8 sophomore has all the tools needed to become an elite ACC wing and high level scorer and I believe this season he’ll show that.