Rodney Williams has electrified Minnesota fans with his high-fling act since the day he walked onto campus. (Photo Courtesy of goldengophers.blogspot.com)
Rodney Williams seems to have finally figured out how to best utilize his athleticism on the court. Maybe it was the shift to the four position after Mbakwe went down last season that helped make the difference, but it’s clear Williams is a different player since then. He just reached the 1,000th point milestone in the Northwestern game, but that might just be one of many milestones he hits this season.
As the Strib’s Amelia Rayno analyzes, Williams is currently “39 rebounds short of 500, 32 assists short of 200 and 32 blocks short of 150.” He will reach the 500 rebounds without a doubt and should likely hit 200 assists as well. While 32 more blocks this season is unlikely, Williams will be among the elite in Minnesota history in the 1000/500/200 club. (Editor’s note: After last night’s win at Illinois, Williams need 34 rebounds for 500, 30 assists for 200 and 31 blocks for 150.)
Only Sam Jacobson and Willie Burton have hit that mark. It’s worth noting that Jacobson was on the Gophers only Final Four team (1998) and Burton was on an Elite Eight team that saw Kevin Lynch’s fade away three from the corner rim out and Georgia Tech march on to the Final Four (1990). Let’s hope for a similar fate for this Rodney Williams squad.
While Williams’ stat line is all well and good, what he’s been known for around these parts has been his dunking. His high-flying act always brings the house…err…the barn down. Time to take some lessons from the high flyer himself.
Twitter
Facebook