Rising Star: Washington Guard Nigel Williams-Goss
By Andrew Kahn
Some coaches would frown on a player attempting 22 shots in a game. When Washington’s Nigel Williams-Goss did it, his coaches were pleased. For starters, he hit 13 of them en route to a 30-point performance. But it also proved their messages were getting through. “He has stepped up in terms of making timely baskets,” assistant coach T.J. Otzelberger said. “When we get stagnant we can count on him. Last year we asked him to facilitate more. Now he’s more of a go-to guy.”
Williams-Goss tallied seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals to go with his 30 points last Saturday, though Washington fell to Washington State 80-77. Last night in a 56-43 win over Oregon State, Williams-Goss notched eight points and seven assists. He is the only player in the country averaging at least 14 points, six assists, and five rebounds, a somewhat arbitrary collection of stats but one that proves his versatility. During last night’s telecast, the network showed a graphic on Williams-Goss that praised him as an excellent floor general who makes teammates better and is a great finisher in the paint. “He does it all,” said former Pac-12 coach Mike Montgomery.
In Pac-12 games, he leads the conference in assists, and his assist rate, as measured by KenPom.com, is eighth best in the country. Against Oregon State, he would bring up the ball to initiate the offense as well as play the foul line area against the Beavers’ zone. His outside shot still needs improvement. He shot 35 percent from deep last season, but finished strong, hitting 23 of his last 54 attempts (43 percent). He’s shooting a dismal 20 percent from three this season and missed a few wide open looks last night. Otzelberger said he’s shown signs of improving: “Once he does, he’ll make a big jump and probably add a few points to his scoring average.”
Otzelberger also highlighted Williams-Goss’ ability to make plays at crucial points in the game. Last night’s contest didn’t need any last-minute heroics, but when Washington went on an 11-0 run early in the first half—important since the Huskies had lost four straight—Williams-Goss was in the middle of it with two baskets and three assists.
Originally from Happy Valley, Oregon, Williams-Goss was a top recruit coming out of powerhouse Findlay Prep in Nevada. He originally committed to Lon Kruger and UNLV, but looked elsewhere once Kruger left for Oklahoma. Last season, when Washington finished with a 17-15 record and a tie for eighth in the Pac-12, Williams-Goss was named to the league’s All-Freshman Team. As a sophomore, he’s helped the Huskies to impressive nonconference wins over San Diego State and Kruger’s Oklahoma team, but even his 30-point outbreak couldn’t prevent an 0-3 start in the league. Washington is 12-4 (1-3) with a home game against Oregon on Sunday.
As a 6’3” point guard, Williams-Goss is definitely on the NBA’s radar. DraftExpress has him as a second-round pick in 2016, while ESPN’s Chad Ford ranks him just inside his top 100, citing his quickness as a concern but writing that he “clearly has the court vision to be a great NBA point guard.”
Williams-Goss is a team captain and one of the leaders of the Huskies. “He’s as hard a worker as I’ve been around,” Otzelberger said. “He’s a joy to coach because he wants to be challenged and pushed out of his comfort zone. He has a dream to play at the next level.”
Andrew Kahn is a regular contributor to CBS Local who also writes for Newsday and The Wall Street Journal. He writes about college basketball and other sports at AndewJKahn.com. Email him at andrewjkahn@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter at @AndrewKahn.
