Episode 176: Grant Williams leaning toward leaving?

GoVols247’s Wes Rucker, Grant Ramey and Patrick Brown went into the Fort Rucker Sun Room — the Fort Rucker Studio somehow is still being renovated — to discuss the NBA Draft preparation process of Tennessee stars Grant Williams, Admiral Schofield, Jordan Bone and Kyle Alexander.Recent mock drafts have included Schofield (a senior) and Williams (a junior) late in the first round, which could be an indication that Williams — the two-time reigning SEC Player of the Year, and a first-team All-American — will forego his senior season and remain in the draft. That obviously would be a big blow for the Vols heading into next season, but having two potential first-round picks and four potential picks in the same draft would be a huge statement for Rick Barnes and his program.If Williams is indeed projected late in the first round, does he essentially have to stay in the draft? Is Bone still intent on turning pro, even if he goes undrafted? Why is Schofield continuing to fly under the radar? Why is Alexander not getting even an invitation to the NBA G-League Combine but has been invited to workout for multiple NBA teams? There’s plenty of draft stuff to discuss, and this episode features plenty of it.Williams’ departure would make a transition season even more challenging for the Vols, but reinforcements are on the way. Tennessee recently added another player to its signing class, and that player — Finland native Olivier Robinson-Nkamhoua — is a talented one. The versatile, 6-foot-8 forward is considered by some a top-100 overall prospect, and his stock is very much on the rise after he emerged as a senior at Bishop Walsh School in Cumberland, Md. He likely would have burst onto the scene as soon as he arrived from overseas, but he missed his junior season with a leg injury.Former Vols forward Derrick Walker also made news this week by announcing his decision to enroll at Nebraska.In other words, it’s been a newsy Tennessee basketball week for May. There’s plenty to discuss.