A relatively unheralded recruit from Pahokee, Fla., Williams broke out as a sophomore by averaging 19.6 points per game. As part of the same backcourt as top WNBA prospect Shenise Johnson, Williams was the Hurricanes' leading scorer as a sophomore as a junior, averaging 21.7 points per game in 2010-11 to lead the ACC and rank 11th in the NCAA. By nature a score-first guard, the 5-7 Williams deferred more to teammates this year, which caused her scoring average to dip to 16.6 ppg. She still topped the 30-point mark twice, both in wins over NCAA tournament teams (Maryland and Rutgers).

Riquna Williams.
Courtesy University of Miami Athletics

While Williams was named to the All-ACC First Team for the second consecutive season, her career ended in ignominious fashion. Williams did not travel with Miami to its subregional games in Spokane because of conduct detrimental to the team. Without her, the Hurricanes lost to host Gonzaga, ending their season. WNBA teams will surely want to know more about why Williams was suspended.

  • Quickness - They don't come much faster than Williams, who can get the ball from end to end in a hurry and is difficult to contain off the dribble.
  • Disruptive Defense - Williams was a big part of Miami's pressure defense, hounding opponents and getting her hands on the basketball. She averaged 2.4 steals per game this season and 2.8 as a junior.
  • Improving Shot - As a senior, Williams shot 36.8 percent from beyond the arc. From Jan. 26 onward, she improved that mark to 42.4 percent, making at least two triples in each of her last 10 games.
  • Playmaking - Williams is not by nature a point guard and has a tough time setting her teammates up for scores. She reached five assists just twice during 2011-12. Because of her size, Williams will have to play some point in the WNBA, so she'll have to work at improving her distributing skills.
  • Finishing - When Williams gets into the paint, she has a tough time scoring over bigger defenders. She made just 41.7 percent of her two-point attempts this season, and her size disadvantage will only get worse in the WNBA.

"Explosive perimeter player. Two-guard. Extremely streaky but as good an offensive player as there is in the draft."

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