Robert Williams selected 27th overall by the Celtics in the 2018 NBA Draft

After being selected with the 27th pick by the Boston Celtics, Robert Williams has become the fourth player in Texas A&M basketball history to be taken in the first round of the NBA draft.

In his two seasons in College Station, Williams was twice named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and an All-SEC Defensive team selection. With a career total of 155 blocks and 530 rebounds, he became known throughout the Southeastern Conference and the nation as one of college basketball's elite shot blockers and rebounders. 

As a freshman, Williams played in 31 games, averaging 11.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. His ability to change the the course of a contest with his defense was astonishing and, for opponents, frustrating. He garnered national attention with each game he played, and soon the talk of being a NBA Lottery pick in the 2017 draft was gaining momentum with every additional above-the-rim highlight and spectacular rejection.

The 2016-17 basketball season concluded with a disappointing loss to Vanderbilt in the SEC tournament that ultimately denied the maroon and white of any level of post-season play. That disappointend end played a big part in Williams' decision to decline the one-and-done route and return to Aggieland for a second year.

He wasn't satisfied with a 16-15 record and not being able to experience March Madness. He also knew he might not be mature enough to take the next step.

So, with dreams of being a top five pick in the NBA draft and the ability to work on his game to prepare for the next level, Williams decided to spend another year in college.

The start of the 2017-18 season saw Texas A&M catapult into the national rankings, but it was a rocky start for the future NBA draftee. In a year that was riddled with injury, illness and suspension, Williams struggled to live up to the hype that had been created. It wasn't a bad year for the sophomore, but with so much practice and game time lost for various reasons, Williams was only able to show flashes of what could be.

That was true until the post-season rolled around.

During March, Robert Williams flipped a switch and, when put on the biggest stage of his career, the ultra-athletic big man gave everyone a show to remember.

Helping the Aggies to only the fourth Sweet 16 in school history, Williams put up 33 points, 33 rebounds and seven blocks throughout the NCAA tournament. That stat line included two highlight dunks that were played across the country on every media outlet and led to a dedicated segment on ESPN about his dunks, blocks and rebounds. 

Immediately after the loss in the Sweet 16, Williams announced to the media that he would forfeit the remainder of his collegiate career to enter the 2018 NBA Draft.