DUKE ATHLETICS

As a sophomore at Duke, center Mark Williams averaged 11.2 points, and 7.4 rebounds per game while connecting on 72% of his shots last season.

The Charlotte Hornets had the first round of the June 23 NBA draft in mind by bringing in Mark Williams and Shaedon Sharpe for workouts on Friday.

Sharpe, a projected top-10 pick, was an interesting guest at the Spectrum Center considering the Hornets don’t draft until pick 13. The 6-foot, 6-inch guard made waves in NBA circles during the offseason after deciding to keep his name in the draft despite not playing a single game at Kentucky, where Wildcats coach John Calipari sat him out as a freshman with the understanding Sharpe would play the next season.

A couple of Western Conference executives were even reported to have concerns about Sharpe’s abilities since the last real game he played was in high school. Yet, pre-draft workouts are where Sharpe’s proving himself.

“I think I did pretty good,” he said. “I feel like I shot the ball pretty decent,” while crediting himself with strong ball handling and sound decision-making.

For the 19-year-old, not playing in nearly a year is “not any big deal” as he is focused on showing his competitiveness and commitment to success.

“[Scouts] see that I can really compete,” Sharpe said. “I love to compete, get my teammates involved and everything — just wanting to win early.”

For Williams, on the other hand, there is no question of what he can do on the court after a solid sophomore season at Duke. That season, the 7-foot, 242 pound Williams averaged 11.2 points per game and 7.4 rebounds while shooting 72% from the field. In the latest NBA mock drafts, he is projected to fill the Hornets’ need for an interior presence at the 13th pick.

“I feel like I bring that immediate rim protection, that guy that can run the floor, (and) be that lob threat on the offensive end,” Williams said. “(The Hornets) are also gonna get somebody that plays hard every night and ultimately, just wants to win.”

Williams compared his game to that of Celtics’ center Robert Williams when discussing how his game will translate to the NBA, also emphasizing the defensive impact he wants to have at the next level.

Defense has been a point of emphasis for the Hornets after finishing last season with the ninth worst defensive rating in the league. Williams’ size, strength, and style of play has potential to change things after starting center Mason Plumlee averaged less than one block per game.

Williams spoke highly of the Hornets’ organization, saying he felt “comfortable” with the team’s personnel during the workout, as well as the idea of pairing up with point guard LaMelo Ball.

“Obviously, he’s a great guard,” Williams said. “He’s going to pass, going to make plays. I feel like I can complement him pretty well.”

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