Last summer, Neemias Queta used FIBA as the ideal ramp-up to the new season. He got to sharpen his game against the likes of Nikola Jokic, Kristaps Porzingis, and Alperen Sengun.
That prepared Queta for his first chance to become an NBA starter. The Boston Celtics' center built on that experience and delivered a breakout campaign. He evolved into a top-10 player at his position in the regular season.
Now, Amari Williams is hoping some of that FIBA magic rubbed off on him. The 24-year-old center got the chance to represent Great Britain this summer. He hadn't done so since he was 17.
"It meant a lot," he said on Wednesday at the Auerbach Center. The Nottingham, UK, native grew up with some of his teammates. Even during those seven years when he was unable to compete on the international stage, he remained close with much of the roster. That chemistry and camaraderie likely helped him excel at Great Britain's FIBA EuroBasket 2029 Pre-Qualifiers.
Amari Williams should get the FIBA boost
The seven-foot center appeared in two tilts for Great Britain. He registered eight points, seven rebounds, and two assists against Switzerland. He then stuffed the stat sheet against Slovakia. He grabbed a team-high nine rebounds and dished out six assists, which led all participants. He also produced two points, one steal, and one block.
At Day 2 of the Celtics' training camp, Williams said that opportunity allowed him to work on his craft in a different environment. There, he faced new competition and teamed up with different personnel compared to when he's in Boston or with the organization's G League affiliate in Maine. He found his experience quite beneficial.
Just as competing at FIBA has benefited Queta, the former University of Kentucky standout should get a bump from it in his second NBA season. It could allow him to build confidence and continue operating with the assertiveness he showed at Summer League.
The reviews of his performance in Las Vegas were mixed. For example, there were times he struggled defending the pick-and-roll. In those moments, he wasn't decisive or quick enough to contain the ball handler and prevent the player he was guarding from getting behind him for two points.
But as a strong, mobile seven-footer, his potential is undeniable. Williams is a great passer who can facilitate offense, just as he did at Summer League. He can also grab the rebound and bring the ball up. He's a lob threat at one end and a rim protector at the other. In the Celtics' elite player development program, a talented two-way center whose confidence appears to be growing could build on his trip to FIBA to tap further into his upside.
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