Former NBC Sports college hoop blogger Troy Machir—now with The Sporting News—and I exchanged Twitter one-liners last month regarding Ohio State center Amir Williams. Troy was discussing players who’ve seemingly been in college a long time.
As little as he’s produced, some aren’t aware he ever got to college. RT @TroyMachir: Amir Williams still in college? Add him. #VanWilderAA
— Scott Henry (@4QuartersRadio) November 21, 2013
At the time we had that conversation, Williams was already putting the lie to my joke with a pair of double-figure scoring games, one a 14-point, 10-rebound effort against Ohio.
Since then, Williams has brought down a career-high 16 rebounds in a win over Wyoming and scored in double figures three more times. That gives him six games of 10-plus points on the season, up from last season’s career high of…
…one.
The point is that Williams, a former McDonald’s All-American, has been practically invisible during his first two seasons in Columbus. As a junior, however, he looks like he’s put it all together, so much so that he’s become the single most important Buckeye in the entire tree.
Yes, even more important than Aaron Craft, LaQuinton Ross or YouTube magnet Sam “Slam” Thompson.
Better Shape—Physically and Mentally
It all started with the endless miles over the summer. Williams was forced into better shape, and according to OSU’s campus newspaper The Lantern, he dragged the rest of the team with him kicking…
Continue Reading: Ohio State Basketball: Amir Williams Is the Buckeyes’ Key to Success in 2013-14
