Johnny Williams might redshirt this season
Got word from Steven Goff of the Washington Post that there is a chance Johnny Williams might redshirt this upcoming season due to shoulder issues. Williams had surgery on his shoulder after the season ended has been rehabbing. Keep in mind that the decision to redshirt Williams doesn't have to happen anytime soon and it can even happen after the season has started. However this is a story line we will be following as the season approaches.
The possible loss of Williams for next season would not leave the Patriots with much depth at forward on the bench. Erik Copes, although highly touted, is a freshman and very limited offensively. Jonathan Arledge and Paris Bennett did not play much last season but will most likely see more minutes if Williams is lost for the season. However it's difficult to project the overall impact of this because we don't know how Paul Hewitt will utilize this mostly inherited roster.
Williams had some promising games last season, especially against Villanova in the NCAA tournament and it would be a shame to see his progress halted. Most Mason fans have been waiting for him to break out and you never know how much a year viewing things from the bench will do for a player's game.
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Is this news? This was talked about on the CAA boards back in May.
The flip side is that after Pearson and Morrison graduate we will need two guys to step up. IMO, this has benefits - namely it gives William two years of eligibility after these two fixtures are chasing basketballs in Europe.
2011-2012 Pearson, Morrison, Arledge, Bennett, Copes
2012-2013 Williams, Arledge, Bennett, Copes
2013-2014 Williams, Arledge, Bennett, Copes
Some people might be interested in hearing about it from a Post reporter who covered every Mason game last season instead of people who just speculate from what they saw on his facebook page.
LOL caazone, so much fun to sift through pissing contests and people complaining about university rankings to find out mason basketball "news"
Would be a shame to lose Williams but hopefully gives guys like Arledge and Copes a chance to shine.
There is worse news. While I don't like to see him redshirt, it will give other guys the opportunity to step up.
Whatever works best for him. I like his game. I do think he needs to be not just in good shape but great shape. He is the type of player that could and should be a game changer. Words like lazy and soft should really motivate him as it would any big man and I do not think that is the case here.
And hopefully the new coaching staff can help turn him into a low post scoring threat. Right now he's not tough enough inside for someone of his size.
Far fetched as it may be, does this mean it might help bring his highly touted little brother to Mason to play together in 2013?
One can only hope.
What's the story on his brother?
His brother is one of the top recruits for the 2013 class:
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/102830/johnathan-williams-iii
http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=8&c=1&nid=4763191
I talked to johnny williams today and he said that he is redshirting
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