NBA draft pick Williams tipped for top early on

Boston Celtics draft pick Amari Williams was always destined to be a top professional, according to one of his college coaches.

Williams, 23, was drafted into the NBA by the Celtics after being chosen as the 46th overall pick.

He became the third English-born active player in the NBA joining Brooklyn Nets' forward Tosan Evbuomwan and OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks.

The 7ft centre previously attended Myerscough College in Lancashire before moving to Drexel University in Pennsylvania and later the University of Kentucky in the United States.

"When he was at Myerscough he was going to be a professional in some form but once he got to Kentucky it was like, he's definitely going to be a professional in the highest level," Myerscough College coach Mike Bernard told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"He's now understood that he's done everything possible to make it this far. He's made all the right decisions, he's had his bumps in the road and he knew that this was going to happen.

"We pushed and hoped for everything with him, and we let him know that these bumps are going to come, but he now knows he's done it and he's really thankful to everyone for everything they've done."

Boston, who are the most successful team in NBA history having won a record 18 championships, have added front-court depth to their roster with the arrival of Williams.

Basketball is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK and is the second-most popular team sport, with more than 1.5m people playing weekly.

Neal Hopkins, who works alongside Bernard at Myerscough College, said that aiding Williams' ascent into the NBA is a proud moment for him and the college.

"Mike and I have been coaching for a number of years, and Mike's had an extended professional career prior to coaching," he added.

"It was one of my ambitions as an up-and-coming coach to try and oversee or be part of someone's journey to the NBA.

"It's unbelievable and unprecedented. We're full of pride. Hopefully, this will inspire the next generation to come through."