When freshman Elliot Williams arrived at Duke, he knew life was going to be different.
He knew some of the time he normally enjoys playing video games and chess would have to be allocated toward schoolwork. He was aware that he was no longer going to be living at home, but instead, with his two fellow freshman teammates, Olek Czyz and Miles Plumlee, in a suite.
But he had no idea how different college basketball would be.
"I did not expect the intensity of every day," Williams said. "Like, you have to bring it every day, because someone is coming at you every day. Whether during practice, games, exhibition games, stretching, anything, you've got to bring it."
The intensity hasn't fazed Williams, though, as his two teammates said they spend a lot of time together in the gym, playing video games, and talking trivia. That lightheartedness off the court doesn't surprise Williams' high school coach, Jeff Ruffin.
"He was always the funny one, joking around in the locker room," Ruffin said. "He loves sports-loves talking about it."
But Ruffin also recalls how it wasn't all fun and games with Williams-he knew when it was time to get serious.
"In the locker room as game time got near, he was quiet, because he generally was much more focused thinking about what he wanted to do in each game," he said.
The classroom is important-Williams boasted a 3.7 GPA at St. George's Independent School in Colliersville, Tenn.-but much of Williams' focus is on his game.
Scout.com's fourth-best shooting guard in the Class of 2008, Williams is hoping to make an immediate impact on the court. He knew that college basketball, especially at Duke, was going to be a huge change from high school, which is why he packed on 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason.
The extra muscle will help Williams stay healthy, which became more of a priority after Williams spent time with senior captain Greg Paulus.
"In high school, you can go through practice and not have an injury or anything, but not in college," Williams said. "Greg Paulus told me, 'Well, first of all, you got to keep your body healthy.' That's one thing I learned."
While Williams has received advice from Paulus, his fellow guard, most of his guidance has come from junior captain Gerald Henderson.
Henderson is the perfect adviser for Williams. At 6-foot-4 and 180 pounds, Williams and the freshman incarnation of Henderson have similar body types. On the court, the two share similar traits, as well.
Henderson's athleticism and ability to drive to the hoop and finish has increased the energy on the court for the Blue Devils. His length and speed have made him a defensive force, both up top and down low. His unique size, strength and leaping ability allow him to play both guard and forward.
Williams has similar basketball DNA, and Henderson has taken the freshman under his wing.
"When Gerald sees I'm having a down day, he'll talk to me about things he went through his freshman year," Williams said. "I mean, he's like a big brother right now.... Offensively, I can bring athleticism-attacking the rim, picking up fouls, knocking open jumpers down-I can bring a lot offensively. And defensively, I'm looking at pressuring the ball, on-ball defense, just playing passing lanes, using my athleticism to get out and get down, and bring a lot of energy."
Henderson has had few opportunities to observe the younger version of himself in games this season. In Duke's Oct. 25 exhibition against Virginia Union, Williams established himself, posting a team-leading 15 points. He also showed a few different looks, getting work at both shooting guard and point guard-and his mentor was impressed with what he saw.
"I would say he is more athletic than me because he has a little more spring than me, quick spring than me," Henderson said. "He is going to be a heck of a player.... He really drove to the basket well, had some good passes, hit a couple threes and shot 10 free throws, which is unbelievable."
It might be his defense, though, that earns Williams serious playing time as a freshman.
"I think he could be one of our better on-ball defenders," head coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "He's really wide and athletic and he has a good ego about it."
And if Williams follows the lead of either Paulus or Henderson, his transition to college basketball might be easier than he ever imagined.
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