Upside Key For 2020 Big

Mark Williams is one of the promising young big men in the junior class. The Norfolk (VA) Academy center checks a lot of boxes when it comes to a prep star.

He runs the floor beautifully, is athletic, long, agile and fluid. His size is impressive at 7-0 and 230 pounds. His length and leaping ability stand out even more.

Add in a dash of face-up shooting touch and you’ve got yourself a high-major to an elite high-major prospect.

Tar Heel Illustrated checked in on the Tidewater star for a general update on his game, his progression and his recruitment

“I think we are 11-2 on the season,” said Williams. “I am averaging between 19 and 20 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks.”

Since the summer ended, Williams has added 15 pounds to his frame and become sturdier in the paint. He’s seen gains in other areas, too.

“I feel like I am more mobile, more active on both ends,” Williams said. “Also, I just feel stronger on the court.”

Offers have poured in for the lanky big man over the past six months. He has 25 or more and he’s picked up some big ones.

He sent us a list of his offers since he last updated us in April of 2018:

Rutgers 5/1/18; Wake Forest 5/2/18; Penn State 5/7/18; Stanford 5/15/18; Seton Hall 6/15/18; Pittsburgh 6/15/18; Florida 6/15/18; St. Louis 6/15/18; NC State 6/24/18; Minnesota 7/14/18; UConn 7/16/18; Vanderbilt 7/16/18; Baylor 7/30/18; West Virginia 8/17/18 and Ohio State 12/30/18.

Williams said that North Carolina remains highly interested and expresses that love through Brandon Ward, one of his AAU coaches at Team Loaded Virginia.

“Coach Ward told me Carolina and Duke wanted me down for a game, but at the time we were playing,” he said. “So probably not until after my season or a break in our schedule or something until I get to go back.”

The Tar Heels, however, have made it clear that they are going to put eyes on him this spring to see his progression.

“I know they’re ready to see me,” he said.