NBA Draft Profile: William Buford

William Buford – SG - 6’5, 215 lbs.
Ohio State

After a solid senior season for the Buckeyes, William Buford may drop out of the first round thanks to the glut of underclassmen that declared for this year’s draft. While the Toledo native possesses an NBA-ready body, his struggles finishing around the basket and lack of overall athleticism are worrisome. Buford also had problems producing against some of College Basketball’s better defenders.

Buford’s ceiling is likely that of a role player off of the bench. His strong decision making, defending abilities and above average jump shot should find him a home in the early to mid-second round.

Buford will stick in the NBA if he can consistently knock down the outside shot, something he excelled at during his junior year (44.2% from behind the arc) but struggled with in his final year in Columbus. At least week’s NBA scouting combine, Buford’s body fat percentage was measured at 11.3%, not good for someone trying to impress NBA talent evaluators.

Kyle Nelson of Draft Express points out that “despite his struggles as a senior, Buford continues to project favorably as an NBA role player, something he's already proven to be capable of at the college level on a number of very successful teams.”