Basketball is a game of numbers until the lights of the Barclays Center actually turn on. Then, it’s about context.
For Brice Williams, the 2025 draft cycle was a wild ride. He went from a mid-major standout at Charlotte to the absolute focal point of Fred Hoiberg’s Nebraska offense, eventually becoming one of the most prolific scorers in Big Ten history.
He didn't just play well. He broke records.
Williams finished his senior season at Nebraska with 713 points, shattering James Palmer Jr.’s single-season school record. He was basically a walking bucket for the Huskers, leading them to a 21-win season and a title in the inaugural College Basketball Crown.
But when the 2025 NBA Draft finally rolled around in June, his name wasn't called.
The Brice Williams NBA Draft Reality Check
Why does a guy who drops 20.4 points per game in the Big Ten go undrafted? It’s the age-old NBA draft dilemma: production vs. projection.
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NBA scouts are obsessed with "upside." Williams entered the draft at nearly 24 years old. In the eyes of a front office, a 24-year-old is a finished product, whereas a 19-year-old from the Overtime Elite or a French academy is a "mystery box" that could be anything.
Honestly, it’s kinda harsh. But that's the business.
The Measurements That Mattered
At the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, Williams measured in at 6'5.25" barefoot with a massive 6'10.75" wingspan. That length is elite for a guard. It’s what allows him to shoot over contests and bother passing lanes.
However, his vertical testing was... average. He posted a 32.5-inch max vertical.
In a league where everyone is a pogo stick, a 32-inch leap doesn't jump off the page. Scouts noted his "limited burst" and a tendency to play with an upright defensive stance. Basically, there were fears he'd get "cooked" by the quicker, twitchier guards at the next level.
What He Brings to the Motor City
Despite the draft night snub, Williams didn't stay a free agent for long. The Detroit Pistons scooped him up on a training camp deal in September 2025.
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It was a smart move for a Detroit team that has spent years looking for reliable floor spacing. Even if he didn't make the final 15-man roster initially, he found a home with the Motor City Cruise in the G League.
And man, has he been balling.
- Scoring: 19.4 points per game in the G League.
- Efficiency: He's flirting with 47% from deep and over 90% from the free-throw line.
- Archetype: Think Antonio Reeves or a "Big" Jordan Clarkson-lite.
He is the ultimate "connector." If the ball is moving, he’s going to find the open spot, catch, and fire. He doesn't need 20 dribbles to get a shot off.
The Scouting Report Breakdown
If you're wondering what the actual NBA-level skills are, it’s the shooting touch. Williams isn't just a "stand in the corner" shooter. He has excellent footwork on his jumpers and can hit coming off screens or in pick-and-roll scenarios as a secondary playmaker.
- Shot Making: He led the Big Ten in scoring for a reason. His 43-point outburst at Ohio State was the highest-scoring game in the conference all season.
- Free Throw Mastery: He shot 88.3% from the line at Nebraska. In the NBA, that’s a "safety blanket" skill.
- Secondary Playmaking: He averaged nearly 3 assists per game. He isn't a point guard, but he doesn't have "tunnel vision" either.
The downside? Defense. It’s always defense.
Scouts like NBADraft.net and The Athletic pointed out that while his wingspan is great, his lateral quickness is a concern. To stick in the league, he has to prove he can guard 2s and 3s without needing constant help-side coverage.
What’s Next for Brice Williams?
The path for Williams is clear now. He’s an unrestricted free agent who has already proven he can dominate the G League level. For him, the NBA isn't about being a star; it's about being a specialist.
Teams like the Nuggets or the Celtics—contenders that need cheap, experienced bench scoring—are the types of teams that usually take a flyer on guys like Williams mid-season.
Actionable Takeaways for Following His Career
- Watch the Box Scores: Keep an eye on his 3-point volume. If he maintains 40%+ on high volume in the G League, a 10-day contract is inevitable.
- Defensive Intensity: Watch how he handles 1-on-1 assignments. If he can stay in front of guys, he's an NBA rotation player.
- The "Older Prospect" Advantage: Don't let the age fool you. Because he's 24, he's more likely to contribute now than a raw 19-year-old would.
Brice Williams might not have been a lottery pick, but his record-breaking run at Nebraska showed he has the mental toughness to handle being "The Guy." In the NBA, he just needs to be "The Guy Who Doesn't Miss."