This has not been an easy season for the Arizona Basketball team for anyone, but playing for the Wildcats was a childhood dream for Brandon Williams who is now temporarily sidelined.
Arizona Basketball head coach Sean Miller spoke about Williams surgery in High School which was to correct a congenital issue in his knee. He missed his junior year in high school but came back very strong in his senior year.
Miller said that he made it through 20 games and about 70 practices with no issues. It is in this same knee that has been feeling pain since the UCLA game. Williams sat out during the following game against rival Arizona State. You could see how involved he was and it showed on his face how much he wanted to play, but he remained totally engaged during the game. Miller is waiting for until the swelling and pain have gone away in Williams’ knee because it is “in his best interest.”
Williams is out indefinitely according to Miller who made a statement on his radio show, and at least he is out for the two games against the Washington schools. Alex Barcello will take his place according to Miller during his weekly press conference. He mentioned that it’s not just what you lose with Williams out, but how it affects everyone else.
Justin Coleman has to watch his fouls for example. The team will adjust and everyone practicing will have a bigger role now. Miller said he always has played three guards just for this possibility, so Alex is ready.
Ryan Luther talked about how the team supports him and that it’s “It’s killing him that he can’t be out there.” The media seemed to suggest or try to dig to figure out if the soreness had to do with his issue in high school. It doesn’t seem that is the case to us, it just seems like he just happened to hurt the same knee. Both scenarios are possible, but the latter seems the most reasonable to us.
Miller said Williams played some of his best basketball against UCLA and that he has hopes for him to return this season and hopefully will contribute at a later point.
Knowing B-Will, this has to be killing him not practicing and playing. Playing for Arizona has been a dream of his for many years as he told us on signing day.
Brandon is a great team player and you better bet he is doing everything he can do to play again. We can only imagine how hard this is for him, but he has gone through worse, and the future is bright.