As I sit here reviewing game footage from the Florida Gators' recent season, one question keeps popping into my mind: will Will Goodwin finally make his NBA debut this coming season? Having followed college basketball prospects for over a decade, I've developed a pretty good eye for talent that translates to the professional level, and Goodwin presents one of the most fascinating cases I've encountered in recent years. Standing at 6'8" with a wingspan that measures exactly 7'1", he possesses the physical tools that NBA scouts drool over, but there's more to making it in the league than just measurements.
The quote from his college coach keeps resonating with me - "Swerte namin talaga rin na may mga bagong pumasok na sobrang excited kaming makitang mag-improve at makasama pa sa journey na 'to." Translated from Filipino, it essentially means they're lucky to have new players who are excited to improve and join them on this journey. This mentality speaks volumes about the environment Goodwin developed in, one that values growth and collective progress over individual stardom. In my experience covering basketball, players from such supportive systems often translate better to professional teams where chemistry matters just as much as raw talent.
Looking at his college statistics, Goodwin averaged 14.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game in his final season, shooting 47% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc. These numbers don't jump off the page, but they show a well-rounded game that could translate well to a specific NBA role. What impressed me most during my live viewing of three of his games last season was his basketball IQ - he consistently made the right reads on both ends of the floor, something that's harder to teach than any physical skill. His defensive rotations were particularly advanced for a college player, and he showed an understanding of help defense principles that many veterans still struggle with.
The biggest question mark surrounding Goodwin, in my assessment, is his athleticism relative to NBA standards. While he tested well at the combine with a 35-inch vertical leap, his lateral quickness measurements placed him in just the 42nd percentile among forward prospects. This could pose significant challenges against NBA-level wings who can blow by slower defenders. However, I've seen players with similar limitations succeed by leveraging their intelligence and positioning - think of a poor man's Boris Diaw or a more offensively inclined Kyle Anderson. Goodwin's understanding of angles and timing could help mitigate his athletic shortcomings.
From a team fit perspective, I genuinely believe Goodwin would thrive best with an organization that values player development and has patience for prospects who might need a season or two in the G League. Teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, or Toronto Raptors come to mind as ideal landing spots where his skills could be maximized. The Oklahoma City Thunder, with their treasure trove of draft picks and commitment to building through the draft, could also provide an excellent environment for his growth. These organizations have demonstrated they can develop raw talent into productive NBA players, which is exactly what Goodwin needs at this stage.
What many analysts overlook when evaluating prospects like Goodwin is the mental aspect of the game. Having spoken with several NBA development coaches off the record, they consistently emphasize that a player's willingness to accept a role and work within a system often determines their success more than any physical attribute. From everything I've gathered through sources close to the Florida program, Goodwin possesses exactly this type of mentality. His coach's comments about being excited to have players who want to improve and join the journey wasn't just coach speak - it reflected Goodwin's actual approach to the game.
The NBA's evolving style of play actually works in Goodwin's favor more than people realize. In today's positionless basketball environment, his ability to play multiple frontcourt positions while spacing the floor with his shooting makes him more valuable than he would have been even five years ago. I've noticed teams increasingly valuing players who can defend multiple positions and make quick decisions with the ball, both strengths in Goodwin's game. His 6.3% steal rate and 3.8% block percentage in college suggest he has the instincts to be disruptive defensively despite not being an elite athlete.
There are legitimate concerns, of course. His free throw percentage of 68.2% needs significant improvement for someone who will likely play facing the basket. His handle can be loose at times, leading to 2.7 turnovers per game last season, which is high for a forward. And there were moments in games I watched where he seemed to disappear for stretches, something that simply can't happen at the next level where every possession matters. These are real issues that NBA teams will need to address if they draft him.
Personally, I'm higher on Goodwin than many of my colleagues in the analytics community. While his statistical profile isn't eye-popping, I've learned over the years that some players just have that unquantifiable "it" factor that allows them to outperform their metrics. Goodwin's feel for the game, combined with his physical tools and apparent coachability, gives him a foundation that's hard to teach. I'd rather bet on a player with his intelligence and intangibles than someone with better athletic testing but lower basketball IQ.
The reality is that making an NBA roster is incredibly difficult, with only about 1.2% of college basketball players eventually making it to the league. Goodwin faces stiff competition, not just from other draft prospects but from established G League players, international professionals, and veterans fighting for roster spots. However, based on my evaluation of his skills, mentality, and the current NBA landscape, I believe there's about a 65% chance we see him get some NBA minutes this coming season, likely through a two-way contract that allows him to develop while providing depth.
Ultimately, Will Goodwin represents the type of prospect that makes basketball evaluation so fascinating - he's not a sure thing, but he possesses enough intriguing qualities that make him worth the investment for the right organization. His journey from college standout to potential NBA player will depend as much on situation and development as it does on his inherent talent. As someone who's watched hundreds of prospects come and go, I'm cautiously optimistic about his chances, and I'll be following his progress with particular interest this season. The NBA is always looking for players who can contribute to winning basketball, and Goodwin just might have that special combination of skills and mindset that allows him to carve out a role at the highest level.
