Williams-Goss determined to make NBA dream become reality

Nigel Williams-Goss has been fixated on playing in the NBA since the third grade.

It was one of the reasons he challenged himself against players 2-3 years older on the AAU circuit. It was a factor in his family relocating to the desert when he opted to play for powerhouse Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada.

When Williams-Goss transferred from Washington to Gonzaga, he cited GU’s track record for player development during redshirt seasons as a primary reason.

The 6-foot-3 point guard has a tattoo on his back that reads “Dreamkeeper” for a reason.

“I got it my senior year of high school,” the former Zag standout said. “I never let anyone else’s criticism or doubt take away my dream of playing in the NBA.”

Williams-Goss isn’t a sure bet to get drafted on Thursday, but he has elevated his stock since helping Gonzaga reach the NCAA championship game in April. NBA scouts frequently question Williams-Goss’ athleticism but he tested well at the NBA Combine in May. He recorded the fastest time in the lane agility drill.

Scouts also grade him down for his perimeter shooting. Williams-Goss made just 30.7 percent of 3-pointers in two seasons at Washington, but he improved to 36.8 in his lone season with Gonzaga.

“Every intangible he checks. Big-time leader, super competitive, really driven and goal oriented,” an NBA front-office executive said. “It’s going to come down to his body. Can his ankles hold up?

“He proved he can carry a really good team and go against good competition and be one of the best players on the floor. He kind of had a sneaky good combine and he has good positional size and wing span. He has some physical tools.”

Others aren’t as convinced.

“Everyone is on the fence about Nigel,” said another NBA official. “You just wonder if he can be a point guard at the next level. Can he shoot it? He doesn’t have one skill that blows you away but he brings consistency every day.

“He’d be a good project for a player development coach. It’ll come down to the situation, if he can be the 15th guy on a team, someone that goes back and forth between the D-League.”

Williams-Goss paced the Zags in scoring (16.8) and assists (4.7) while earning WCC newcomer and player of the year honors. He made numerous All-American teams and was an academic All-American with a 3.84 grade-point average.

He chose to skip his senior season to enter the NBA Draft.

Williams-Goss is pegged as a second-round pick in six of 10 mock drafts. He was listed as high as No. 38 to Chicago. Two mocks project Williams-Goss as the last pick (No. 60) to Atlanta.

He’s worked out for roughly half of the NBA teams, including trips to Indianapolis, Denver, Utah, San Antonio and New Orleans in the week leading up to the draft.

“Been waiting for this my whole life,” he tweeted five days ago. “Draft week!!!”