Player: Mark Williams

School: Norfolk Academy, Norfolk VA

Class: 2020

Height/Weight: 6’10/195 pounds

Athletic Achievements: 2017 First team All TCIS Selection…Selected to the Phenom Hoop Report VA Top 80 where he earned the showcase’s “Mr Station” Award.

What the scouts are saying: From Phenom Hoop Report Co-Owner and National Scouting Director Rick Lewis after the Virginia Phenom Top 80: “Williams is going to be a load the more he develops. Outstanding size already for such a young prospect, nice touch, runs the floor well, and really played well. Exceeded several expectations and he has the blood lines in his family to play ball. The more his confidence and the fight grows in him, the more he will be one of the top players in the state of Virginia”.

Phenom Hoop Report National Scout Jamie Shaw added of Mark Williams: “When looking at his overall package, he has 5-star type potential written all over him”.

Read more of Jamie’s comments on Mark Williams here: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/news_article/show/772593'referrer_id=1555437

High School Coach Comments: It is truly a pleasure to watch Mark develop his game throughout the course of the season. Not only does he have the physical attributes (long, quick off his feet, soft hands, improving foot speed), he also has the mental attributes as well. He is very coachable and eager to improve. His demeanor during games has been especially impressive. With teams doubling down, playing physical and trying to rattle him, this FRESHMAN has repeatedly kept his cool and let his game handle the rest. His commitment to work on his weaknesses during the off season will be a deciding factor to how quickly he develops into a very good all-around player. – Coach Eric Acra, Norfolk Academy Head Basketball Coach/Dean of Students

Coach Frank say’s: Mark has really grown rapidly in all areas of his game as I’ve watched him throughout the season. He obviously has the DNA having a sister who has enjoyed basketball success at the highest levels but has also carved out his own identity as an impact paint presence at both ends of the floor for one of the area’s top high school teams at Norfolk Academy and a coach with a reputation of developing big men as evidenced by the success of guys like DJ Covington and David McCormack most recently. Mark has excellent footwork to go along with great length and athleticism. He is agile as evidenced by his great timing and shot blocking prowess and also in his ability to get up and down the floor quickly, get to the rim off the bounce and his ability to defend away from the basket. Mark is more of a face up stretch four type who has demonstrated the ability to produce away from the basket as he has very good shot mechanics and a nice touch on the jumper with three point range. He does a great job locating spots and scoring on the catch and shoot, demonstrating very good mechanics at all levels. He has the look of a future small forward at the highest levels of college basketball given his current rate of growth fundamentally. He is a tireless rebounder, plays good position defense in the paint and alters or blocks shots as a result of his positioning as well as his length. Mark has also demonstrated the ability to defend away from the basket with very good defensive footwork, posture and lateral mobility. He has a good basketball IQ, is competent on screen roll execution and has great hands. I’ve watched him rip a rebound off the glass and lead the break more than once as he shows flashes of versatility most underclassman at any position don’t posses. The ceiling is high for this young but promising prospect not only given his great length and workmanlike approach to development but also his advanced skill level. High majors should be watching closely!

Up Close and Personal with Norfolk Academy star Mark Williams

Q: How long have you been playing basketball'

A: Since I was about 5 years old.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence so far on your young basketball career and how'

A: My sister Elizabeth. She has already made it to the WNBA and has given me useful advice throughout my career.

Q: Your sister has enjoyed great success both in college and in the WNBA, what advice if any has she offered you as you set on your basketball journey'

A: She just tells me to have fun and enjoy playing the game.

Q: What are your personal goals for this summer with regards to your player development'

A: To work to continue developing all areas my game and become one of the top players in my class nationally and to get my name out there.

Q: Is there an NBA or college player you look up to or model your game after'

A: Kevin Durant. We have similar builds and he is able to play all 5 positions well.

Q: You’ve enjoyed very good success in the classroom as well as on the court and with showcases, AAU and high school season basketball is eating up more of your time than in the past. How do you manage both the academic and athletic demands'

A: I just have to manage my time, prioritize. I have to plan out a day by day schedule for homework and other assignments as well as getting shots up or going to the weight room.

Q: You played for a very successful coach at Norfolk Academy in Coach Acra and the Bulldogs enjoyed great success this past season which resulted in you and teammate Taylor Acra earning all conference honors and Coach Acra being named Coach of the Year. Tell us about the influence Coach Acra has had on your obviously quick development and where you see your role going forward for Norfolk Academy with an increased offensive scoring load expected with the upcoming graduation of your team’s MVP Taylor Acra'

A: Coach Acra has had a huge influence on me. He’s helped me bring out the best of myself at all times, holds me to the highest standard. As for next season I see my role obviously increasing with Taylor graduating, but I’m up for it.

Q: How did you enjoy your recent experience at the Phenom Hoop Report Top 80 showcase and the opportunity to play against some of the state’s other top talent, more specifically matching up against another highly regarded freshman in Isaiah Todd'

A: I want to thank Coach Rick and Mr Shaw for giving me the opportunity to participate, I truly enjoyed the experience. Seeing myself go up against the best talent across Virginia was really fun. Playing Isaiah Todd was something I had wanted to do because he’s one of the top players in the country, but I still felt like I could go up against him. He’s a very good player.

 

Quick Hitters with Mark Williams

Q: If you weren’t playing basketball, what sport would you be playing and what position'

A: I’d probably be a goalie in soccer since I used to play and that’s where I was most dominant

Q: What are your hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time'

A: I like watching TV and playing NBA2K

Q: What is your favorite subject and why'

A: My favorite subject is Science because learning about how everything from the human body to everyday items works is interesting to me.

Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you chose to have lunch with and what would be your topic of conversation'

A: I would like to have lunch with Bill Gates and discuss how he got to where he is and what it took to get there.

Q: What is your favorite food'

A: Either steak or chicken alfredo.

Q: What attributes does Mark Williams bring to the court that makes him most valuable to his team'

A: My energy and using my length to my advantage.

Thank you for taking time out and giving us the opportunity to give our readers the opportunity to get to know you up close and personal. We wish you all the best going forward.