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Texas A&M Basketball

Freshman phenom Robert Williams' decision looms large for Aggie hoops

March 13, 2017
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It is a mighty big IF.

In fact, it’s a 6-foot-9 240-pound IF with a 7-foot-4 wing span and penchant for executing spectacular alley-oop slam dunks.

But if Robert Williams opts to return for his sophomore year, Texas A&M projects to an NCAA Tournament team, legitimately capable of reaching the Sweet Sixteen again. That probably seems hard to accept after the Aggies miserable showing Thursday night in the Southeastern Conference Tournament. A&M was simply inept in a 66-41 loss in which only four Aggies scored and one of those — JC Hampton — made just one shot.

But Williams, who is projected as a lottery pick, recently acknowledged that he often thinks about what could be next year.

“I do every day,” Williams said. “Every day I think about how good we could be if we had all the right pieces. I think about my decisions every single day, but it’s a process.”

Obviously, the 2016-17 season was a regress from the previous year when the Aggies shared the SEC championship with Kentucky and reached the Sweet 16. This season — which ended in Nashville on Thursday night since the Aggies did not get into the NIT — was polluted by the lack of a true point guard, which forced Admon Gilder out of his more natural off guard spot.

Matt Sachs, TexAgs A more seasoned Robert Williams and Tyler Davis would be a formidable low post presence for the Aggies.
The Aggies were further crippled by an unproductive bench.

But next year the Aggies will have two All-SEC posts with center Tyler Davis and Williams — of course, provided he returns.

Scouts say JJ Caldwell, who was ineligible this year, would solve the point guard problem. He may not have star potential, but he has the skills of a legitimate major college point. That would allow Gilder to move back to the two-guard where he belongs.

The Aggies will have DJ Hogg, who missed much of the season with a broken foot, at the small forward.

The bench figures to be upgraded with Tonny Trocha-Morelos and highly-touted incoming freshmen TJ Starks, Savion Flagg and Isiah Jasey.

A&M’s starting five next season could compare favorably in at least three positions to its Sweet Sixteen team. Caldwell projects to be better than Anthony Collins at point guard. Davis figures to be better as a junior than he was as a freshman. Williams, who made dramatic improvement as this season progressed, seemingly would be better than Jalen Jones. Admon Gilder would project to be about equal to Alex Caruso.

The Aggies, though, would not project as good at the small forward position that was manned by Danuel House.

“I’m excited about next year,” A&M coach Billy Kennedy said. “We’ve got Tonny back. You’ve got some good pieces. DJ Hogg … get him healthy again. I really like the young guys we have coming in. I want to see JJ Caldwell on the floor in a uniform for a game because in practice he’s really good. We’re excited about it.”

I’m excited about next year. We’ve got Tonny back. You’ve got some good pieces. DJ Hogg … get him healthy again. I really like the young guys we have coming in. I want to see JJ Caldwell on the floor in a uniform for a game because in practice he’s really good. - A&M Head Coach Billy Kennedy
Of course, that’s assuming Kennedy is back, too.

Kennedy received a new five-year contract last season, but the embarrassing loss to Vanderbilt could have put his position in jeopardy. Efforts to contact Texas A&M Athletic Director Scott Woodward for comment were unsuccessful.

In all likelihood Kennedy will be back next season. He’s proven he can take a fully-stocked team into the second week of the NCAA Tournament. He should get that chance again next year if Williams returns.

Some close to the program don’t think another season for Williams is an impossible dream. Sources have said that his family is concerned that Robert, who is from tiny Vivian, La., might not yet be ready for the lifestyle of a professional athlete and they have encouraged him to return to school.

Still, that would seem unlikely because of the lucrative contract he’d receive as a project lottery pick.

The Aggies could be good next season even if he doesn’t come back. They could be exceptional if he does.

“I think about it,” Davis said. “I think about the potential of it. But at the same time a lot of work has to be put in for us to reach that potential.”
Discussion from...

Freshman phenom Robert Williams' decision looms large for Aggie hoops

4,179 Views | 6 Replies | Last: 7 yr ago by Cranch69
Method Man
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Next year is usually pretty awesome until it comes.
ham98
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he gone(rightfully so)
Aggie_Eric98
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AG
Quote:

if Robert Williams opts to return for his sophomore year, Texas A&M projects to an NCAA Tournament team, legitimately capable of reaching the Sweet Sixteen again.
until we miss the NCAA and then it is a PG, senior leadership issue.
NoHo Hank
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AG
If Robert Williams comes back, Kennedy should get another year? Are you mental?? Why would we waste a year with a supremely talented sophomore on Kennedy? The guy is an awful coach. There are so many data points demonstrating that fact, even flat earthers think you're being willfully blind to ignore them.
sharpdressedman
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Take the money, Robert, and best wishes for an All-Star NBA career. You have been on the inside, and have clearly seen the futility of this coaching regime.
Cranch69
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AG
Let's try that potential with a new coaching staff!
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