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Indiana Hoosiers: Troy Williams, James Blackmon Hold Their Own Fate

By Garrett Hagan

Mar 17, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward Troy Williams (5) leads a break against the Chattanooga Mocs in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward Troy Williams (5) leads a break against the Chattanooga Mocs in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball program will see a familiar face returning next season, as well as seeing a familiar face part for the NBA.

Guard James Blackmon Jr. announced early Wednesday afternoon that he will withdraw from the NBA draft and will return to school, per Jeff Goodman of ESPN.

Blackmon missed Indiana’s final 22 games last season after suffering a knee injury during a team practice.

Just a few months ago, the word around the program was that Blackmon had been considering transferring from Indiana — only to see him declare for the draft in late-April. Blackmon didn’t hire an agent for himself during the process, meaning that he could wish to return to collegiate play if he wanted to.

When he was healthy last season, Blackmon Jr. averaged 15.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game in 25.5 minutes on the floor for the Hoosiers.

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Unfortunately for the Hoosiers, they will lose a player to the NBA draft that is Troy Williams. Williams announced on Wednesday afternoon that he will forgo his senior season as he attempts to find a stable career in the NBA.

Last season, Williams averaged 13.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists for the Hoosiers. Oftentimes though, Williams’ bad decision making and sub-par ball handling cost Indiana during games — which may be a big concern for any NBA team that has taken a look at the 21-year-old forward.

Draft Express did a full assessment of Williams from the NBA Combine:

"The Indiana junior showed both Thursday and Friday that he’s a ways away from being a player an NBA head coach can trust in live action. As has been the case for his entire career, he’s extremely wild with the ball and has very little discretion as a decision maker. He drives into the paint with no plan and jacks up early threes in transition without conscience. He’s a great athlete with good size and will make an occasional three, but Williams’ decision making is still a major work in progress, even at age 21. His best option is to return to school, study the game and try to slow himself down while becoming a more reliable shooter."

Now the question remains as to whether or not a team will select Williams in the draft — or if he will even be on an NBA roster come the start of the 2016 season.

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Blackmon Jr. made the right decision in staying to help his draft stock for next year, and perhaps Williams could very well learn that he should have done the same.

Follow Ink On Indy as we cover the 2016 NBA Draft for the Indiana Hoosiers.

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