Texas A&M Basketball
Robert Williams to return to Texas A&M for sophomore season
Although the Aggies didn't make the NCAA Tournament, they just got their own dose of March Madness when Robert Williams announced today that he will be returning to College Station for his sophomore season.
Williams, from Oil City, Louisiana, who some project as high as the seventh overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, has decided to pass on the NBA and return to College Station for one more year.
After averaging nearly a double-double in scoring and rebounds during SEC play (12.9 ppg / 9.6 rpg) and holding the nation's longest active streak with at least one blocked shot at 31 games, the SEC's Defensive Player of the Year isn't done with collegiate life just yet.
The 6'9" power forward convened with his family and those in his inner circle about every possibility, and while it comes as a surprise to most, Williams is making the decision he and his family believe is best for him.
Williams, from Oil City, Louisiana, who some project as high as the seventh overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, has decided to pass on the NBA and return to College Station for one more year.
After averaging nearly a double-double in scoring and rebounds during SEC play (12.9 ppg / 9.6 rpg) and holding the nation's longest active streak with at least one blocked shot at 31 games, the SEC's Defensive Player of the Year isn't done with collegiate life just yet.
The 6'9" power forward convened with his family and those in his inner circle about every possibility, and while it comes as a surprise to most, Williams is making the decision he and his family believe is best for him.
"First of all, I would like to thank God for blessing me with the awesome opportunity to play at a great university like Texas A&M. I would also like to thank my parents, family, coaches, teammates and fans for supporting me through my freshman year. I love A&M and it was a great experience which helped me grow and get better as a player and a person. Although I've grown, I still feel like I would benefit from another year of college. This will give me more time to mature and develop my game before moving on to the NBA. With that being said I've decided I owe it to myself to stay another year at Texas A&M. Again, I would like to thank everyone for their support and I know next year will be even better. Gig 'em Aggies!"
- Robert Williams
- Robert Williams
"I'm thankful that Robert loves Texas A&M and his teammates. I know this was a difficult decision for him and his family. He's not only a special talent but a special young man. His desire to be the best and his trust in us is humbling. I can't wait for next season!"
-Billy Kennedy
-Billy Kennedy
The Aggies' front court was considered to be among the top duos in the SEC this year. Now, with an off season of development and a more experienced tandem, Billy Kennedy could have the most formidable front court in the country coming into the 2017-2018 season. Combine that with a senior in Tonny Trocha, juniors Admon Gilder and DJ Hogg and newcomers JJ Caldwell, TJ Starks and Savion Flagg and the Aggies, on paper, are looking like a tough team to beat.
With Williams' decision, the Aggies, who were in the Sweet 16 this time last year but failed to make post-season play this season, will certainly be mentioned in the pre-season as a team to watch.
With Williams' decision, the Aggies, who were in the Sweet 16 this time last year but failed to make post-season play this season, will certainly be mentioned in the pre-season as a team to watch.
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