Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Product Mark Williams Surging After Extended Absence

The two-year Duke basketball big man saw his first start of the season as he gets back into full swing.

Matt Giles

Former Duke basketball center Mark Williams
Former Duke basketball center Mark Williams / Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
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Around this time last year, Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams began his recovery from a back injury and did not play the rest of the season. And in the preseason leading up the 2020-22 Duke basketball player's third pro campaign, he suffered a left foot strain that sidelined him until December.

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Now, four contests into his return, Williams has exhibited some promising signs for the Hornets (7-18).

His production has increased from one game to the next. And on Friday night, albeit in a 109-95 road loss to the Chicago Bulls (11-15), the 22-year-old 7-footer from Virginia came up only one rebound shy of what would have been his first double-double since Nov. 30, 2023.

Williams, who came off the board No. 15 overall to the Hornets after helping to fuel the 2021-22 Blue Devils' run to the Final Four, finished with 15 points, nine boards, two assists, and one block in only 17 minutes on the floor. He shot 6-for-7 from the field and 3-for-4 at the charity stripe.

He's now averaging 9.3 points and 5.5 rebounds, shooting 68.2 percent from the field.

As for the Hornets' other Duke basketball talent, veteran guard Seth Curry went scoreless across his five minutes of action against the Bulls.

The 34-year-old sharpshooter, in his second season with his hometown franchise, has played in all but one of the Hornets' games. However, Curry is averaging only 4.6 points and 1.3 rebounds in his 12.0 minutes per outing primarily off the bench.

ALSO READ: Seven Duke Talents Among Top 50 Draft Prospects

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more NBA Blue Devil updates and other Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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