Benny Williams to return

[justgold315]

If he consistently plays like he did at the end of last season, I think we are in for something special

 

[Cusefan0307]

I think Benny can have a Southerland like impact if he keeps improving. Just stay away from dribbling.

 

[Bulldog04]

He will play better just because of his relationship with Red and he will be given some freedom to not worry about mistakes. JB really had a tough time with Benny and his “attitude” and it made him a complete headcase. I expect some great improvement just because he will be more relaxed

 

[phil77]

Cant be mad with this development.

 

[xc84]

I'm glad to hear it. I know he wasn't shy about expressing his frustrations, but Benny was incredibly miscast as a zone defender, and I think everything poured out from that. He has the tools and athleticism to be a really good man defender and legit weapon in transition. It might take some time, but I also wouldn't be surprised if a switch flipped pretty quickly for him next season.

Every player should be able to plan man and zone. Benny was absent defensively and on the boards most of the season. Towards the end he showed his capabilities

 

[OrangeDW]

Every player should be able to plan man and zone. Benny was absent defensively and on the boards most of the season. Towards the end he showed his capabilities

He is athletic enough. I think we need to reestablish the culture of playing good defense being a requirement to getting on the court.

 

[Skinny.Atlas]

Benny is such a nice kid and a hard worker. Really excited to see how he develops next tear.

 

[hoopsupstate]

I give Benny and his parents credit. If ever there was a case for being in the portal the last two years, Benny was it. I give him credit for his perseverance. Kids who suck it up usually get rewarded for staying the course. I hope he thrives the next two years. Good for him.

 

[stlorange]

I am pleased about this. I was critical of benny at times but he made a noticeable jump in play, especially over the last quarter of the season. Kudos for his perseverance, patience, and hard work--its paying off. I need to remind myself that progress in basketball, and life, is not linear.

 

[MikeSU02]

So Red has got JJ and held onto Benny. We have a shot with Jesse and Judah is probably coming back barring a first round guarantee.

We still need a few pieces, but we could be really looking at a solid ball club next year.

As RF2044 said, I think Benny can have a Damone-like career trajectory if he just focuses on trying to get from park to first gear versus park to fifth all at once.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

So you're telling me my dream of Benny becoming our starting 5 is still alive?!?!?!?!?

 

[Chip]

Judah
JJ
Moore
Benny
Edwards

This starting five could do some things. Maybe. MAYBE?????????? Could it happen??

Would be a lot more fun to watch.

Pretty good bench too, depending on who comes back.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

Benny Williams will return for his junior season at Syracuse, play for Adrian Autry

Williams was recruited by Autry, who became Syracuse's new head coach earlier this month.

www.syracuse.com

Kid just jumped into my top 5 favorite Orangemen of ALL TIME. Different list than top players.

 

[AZOrange]

Nice.

Benny and Judah are tight. I suspect this makes it more likely Judah stays for another season.

It doesn’t hurt that’s for sure

 

[OrlandoCuse]

Looking forward to watching Benny have an absolute breakout year next season.

 

[Hopkins16]

Perhaps his better play and sense of freedom towards the end of the year was some sort of knowledge that JB was on the way out. I like to root for good people so I hope that Benny will grow tremendously under Coach Red.

 

[Giants1973]

Benny needs constant effort and energy. Points and rebounds will come.

 

[Newhouser]

I think he is a better shooter than player at this point. He is athletic, though I think to what level is overhyped on this board, and that doesn't hurt. He needs to continue to develop his 3 point shooting which was good last year.

 

[kcsu]

He will play better just because of his relationship with Red and he will be given some freedom to not worry about mistakes. JB really had a tough time with Benny and his “attitude” and it made him a complete headcase. I expect some great improvement just because he will be more relaxed

I saw it multiple times when I played. Coaching doesn't always make a player better. I'm really glad that Benny is sticking around as I believe he has a great year ahead of him.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

He will play better just because of his relationship with Red and he will be given some freedom to not worry about mistakes. JB really had a tough time with Benny and his “attitude” and it made him a complete headcase. I expect some great improvement just because he will be more relaxed

Absolutely.

 

[Orangezoo]

Nice.

Benny and Judah are tight. I suspect this makes it more likely Judah stays for another season.

This. Big deal imo. Honestly though how he played the end of the year is the Benny we all wanted day 1.

 

[cliftonparksufan]

So you're telling me my dream of Benny becoming our starting 5 is still alive?!?!?!?!?

Benny and the J's.

 

[MSOrange]

While I would still love to upgrade the forward position, I suspect Benny will be a better fit with Red than JB and play better as he feels more comfortable.

 

[HOFCeluck]

I think Mintz is ultimately going to make a decision based on what's best for him and where he' s most likely to get drafted.

Having his friends stay on the team doesn't hurt tho

 

[shu 49]

I think Benny can have a Southerland like impact if he keeps improving. Just stay away from dribbling.

He could always improve that.