SPORTS
Williams looking to improve jumper, add strength
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by Dave McGrath
Tuesday, December 7, 2004
It is well documented that the transition freshmen face when leaving high school for college is one of the most difficult periods in a young person’s life. Almost any first-year student at the University of Wisconsin will tell you that living on his or her own for the first time, the increased difficulty of academics and the distractions that a festive school like Wisconsin tends to have makes the first year in college a very tough year.
DeAaron Williams of the UW men’s basketball team not only has to deal with all of the issues the average freshman faces, but has the added pressure of being a highly touted recruit and the additional time commitment of being a member of a Division I basketball team. While he will have to find a way to manage practices, schoolwork and the transition from high school, Williams will not see the floor this season.
Williams joins the impressive fraternity of Badger basketball players who have opted to take a redshirt as a freshman, essentially sitting out a year and practicing with the team, while still retaining four years of eligibility.
“I think that for anyone, any freshman coming into their first year of college, it would be a good thing to have a year where they didn’t have to work, didn’t have to do anything but focus on adjusting,” head coach Bo Ryan said. “Adjusting to the work, to being away from home for the first time. I think it is just a good idea. I totally support DeAaron’s decision and think it is only going to help him personally and help him help us in the future.”
Following in the footsteps of senior forward Mike Wilkinson and sophomore forward Brian Butch, who also redshirted as freshmen, Williams says that he has the support of all his teammates in his decision to wait a year before hitting the floor for UW.
“Well, I saw that as much as I really wanted to play, having a year off to improve my game and get used to being here [at UW] is only going to help me,” Williams said. “I got a lot of support from the guys, coach Ryan, Mike (Wilkinson), who redshirted, Bryan (Butch) and Alando (Tucker), who had the medical redshirt. I talked to all of them and they told me it’s a good thing.”
Williams, a native of Peoria, Ill., was an all-state player and Mr. Basketball nominee in high school while setting his school’s records for points and rebounds. Williams also accomplished one more feat that is sure to make him a fan favorite at the Kohl Center for the next few years: Williams was the Illinois Slam Dunk Champion his senior year.
Williams’ decision is not an indication that he believed he was unable to contribute to the Badgers as a freshman, only that he believes a year off will ultimately lead him to more success in a Badger uniform.
“I think I could’ve been effective, especially as a defensive stopper against some of the taller and quicker guards. I think my defense is pretty solid right now,” Williams said. “I think I could’ve scored a bit too, but that is something I am really going to work on a lot.”
Williams said he will use his redshirt year to focus on improving his outside shooting ability.
“My jump shot is probably the biggest thing I am going to work on; that and being in the weight room and adding some muscle,” Williams said. “It’s pretty physical in the Big Ten. I really want to get my jump shot together, though, so I can really help contribute on offense, especially on the outside, but when I drive to the basket, too.”
Although Williams won’t be allowed to play in any regular-season game this year, he says he still will be able to gain valuable experience by watching the games from the bench and seeing what works in the college game and what he needs to avoid.
“It’s tough having to sit there and watch, but it’s also fun to watch the team without the pressure of being in the game,” Williams said. “It is also a big thing to help me learn by watching, so I still feel I get better during the games and I also help the guys out, cheering and stuff.”
While he recognizes the educational advantages of a redshirt season, Williams is eager for his opportunity to represent the cardinal and white on the court.
“When I finally get in next year, it’s going to be that much sweeter, especially in the first big game at the Kohl Center,” Williams said. “I can’t wait.”
When asked if he is going to make some noise next year on the court, the affable Williams gave a coy smile and answered, “Oh, yeah, for sure.”
By this time next year, if Williams has his way, you’ll be reading a story about the exploits of a first-year player named DeAaron Williams who is proving he is not the average freshman on the basketball court.
Anonymous (March 14, 2005 @ 10:38am):
i really like your article on my cousin DeArron it's crazy to see a family member in the paper on the internet and i just seen him at home right before he left to go to college. Just if you could give him my e-mail and tell him keep your head up!!!!
