Williams leads the way against Panthers
COLLEGE STATION — Byron Smith played at the University of Houston in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and has witnessed a wealth of talented basketball players in his coaching career since.
That’s one reason why Texas A&M sophomore forward Robert Williams stood out to Smith, Prairie View A&M’s third-year coach, during the No. 7 Aggies’ 73-53 victory over the Panthers on Saturday in Reed Arena.
“He’s a very athletic guy,” Smith said of Williams, a 6-10 shot-blocker, rebounder extraordinaire. “A young Antonio McDyess, if you will.” Ties career high
Williams, who tied his career high with 16 rebounds, said he appreciated the compliment — even if he wasn’t quite sure exactly what it entailed.
“I’ve heard stories about him, but that’s a little before my time,” Williams said with a smile of McDyess. “From what I hear, that’s an honor.”
McDyess finished up a solid NBA career with San Antonio in 2011. Meanwhile, the Aggies are simply thankful to have Williams for the next four months. He might have been an NBA draft lottery selection last summer, but he chose to return for one last season at A&M to continue growing his game and maturing on and off the court.
“They’re doing a great job of developing him,” Smith said. “He’s a threat from 15 feet, he’s got pretty good hands, and he’s become a much improved passer.”
The Aggies (8-1) were coming off a 67-64 loss at unranked Arizona on Tuesday, and they played the first of four consecutive home games against what should be easily beatable opponents.
The path of Prairie View (2-7) to Reed Arena was much more rugged, considering the Panthers are playing their first 13 games this season on the road.
Prairie View finally plays at home on Dec. 29 against Jarvis Christian, just in time to open SWAC play at home on New Year’s Day against Alcorn State.
“These are building blocks for us,” Smith said of the literal road to league play.
The road-weary Panthers gave the Aggies a slight scare, with A&M clutching a 44-40 lead five minutes into the second half. The Aggies stirred and scored the next 18 points, ensuring that all eight of their victories this season have been by double digits.
“Sometimes you get too comfortable, and that’s when upsets happen,” A&M coach Billy Kennedy said. “So when you win by 20 points, it’s a good win, no matter who you’re playing against.” Fisher addresses crowd
One of the game’s highlights had nothing to do with basketball.
New A&M football coach Jimbo Fisher addressed the crowd during the game’s first timeout, and said he was looking forward to spring drills and “when we set the record for the most-attended spring game in NCAA history.”
Ohio State claims the record with 100,189 attending the 2016 spring game, so it will be a tall task for A&M at Kyle Field, which seats around 102,000. Nearly as tall as the task facing the Aggies basketball team around the same time.
“They’re a Sweet 16, Elite Eight or even Final Four type of team with the talent they have,” Smith said.