Point blank: if Malik Williams doesn’t have a monster year like he’s capable of, Louisville has real problems.
Williams earned his spot as a starter at the five spot last season, leap-frogging then-senior Steve Enoch about midway through the year. If you look at this year’s roster, Williams won’t have an abundance of help down low, and I can’t stress the importance of his production. No pressure, Malik.
Most ACC teams Louisville will face this season are going to be physical, and Williams will be tasked with weathering those storms and playing through a lot of contact; also a ton of minutes. Louisville hasn’t had a big man with this much action awaiting him in YEARS. It all falls to Williams now.
He’s a senior. He has a lot of heart. And he is athletic as he’s ever been. Expect the double-doubles. Look for him to coach up the younger guys. When it’s all said and done, if Louisville wants a real shot at a conference championship contingency or even a 20-win season, it’s all about Williams.
The Cards are insanely thin at the five. Louisville is in deep trouble if he doesn’t show improvement from last season. We’ll need 35 productive minutes per game from him.