Robert Williams will hear his name called during the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft, but the Texas A&M center won’t be joining Adam Silver on stage.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Williams has informed the league he plans to spend Thursday night with his family and friends in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Source: Texas A & M's Robert Williams has informed the NBA that he's decided to spend draft night on Thursday in Shreveport, La., with friends and family. Williams had earned an invitation into the Green Room at the Barclays Center.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2018
Williams is widely considered the best available big man following the “elite” group of prospects. That includes Deandre Ayton, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Wendell Carter Jr.
Over two seasons at Texas A&M, Williams collected 11.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. If selected in the top 14, Williams would be the school’s first lottery selection since Acie Law in 2007.
Williams joins Maryland’s Kevin Huerter as potential lottery picks who have declined an invite to the Barclays Center.