Syracuse removes Benny Williams from the team: What happens next for the Orange?
Syracuse has dismissed junior Benny Williams from its men’s basketball team, the programme announced Tuesday.
Williams, a 6-foot-9 forward, was previously suspended for Syracuse’s first two games of the season (plus an exhibition) for violating team rules.
“Everyone involved with the programme wishes Benny all the best,” Syracuse said in a statement.
Williams averaged 5.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game off the bench for the Orange. He finished with seven points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two turnovers in his final game with the team, a 29-point loss to Wake Forest on
Saturday. After the defeat, first-year Syracuse coach Adrian Autry apologised to the program’s fans, saying the loss was “unacceptable” and that such
performances “won’t be tolerated.” Autry emphasised his dissatisfaction during Monday’s ACC coaches teleconference.
Williams, a four-star, top-50 recruit out of high school, will have one season of eligibility remaining if he continues to play college basketball.
Syracuse (14-8, 5-6 ACC) will host Louisville on Wednesday.What happened to Williams?
When Williams first enrolled at Syracuse, it was viewed as a significant recruiting victory for the programme, particularly as Jim Boeheim’s career neared its end. Despite his physical abilities, Williams never seemed to connect with the Orange. If anything, Williams regressed from his sophomore season, receiving fewer minutes and opportunities under Autry despite entering the season as a projected starter. His suspension earlier this season hinted at some maturity issues, which is the complete opposite of what a
A young team with Division I experience (ranked 287th by KenPom) is required.
What is next for Syracuse?
Despite his shortcomings, Williams was an important member of Autry’s first team in terms of roster construction. The Orange simply lack size, particularly with 7-foot-4 Florida State transfer Naheem McLeod sidelined for the season. The Orange were already using 6-foot-8 forward Maliq Brown as a centre, and Williams’ absence will exacerbate the size disparity.]
In Williams’ absence, Autry will likely rely more heavily on 6-foot-6 Quadir Copeland in the front court. Unfortunately, the rookie coach has limited options. Syracuse’s NCAA Tournament hopes are already likely dead, so Williams’ departure doesn’t change anything; it simply makes life more difficult for Autry and his undersized roster.
