'This Bryce showing up every day': Oklahoma State is getting a better version of Bryce Williams
STILLWATER — Oklahoma State super-senior guard Bryce Williams is aware of the question that follows him every day.
Which version of Bryce will show up?
The locked-in edition — the elite athlete who dominates on both ends of the court — or the unfocused, wild guard.
Early in his final season, he feels comfortable with an answer.
Look more and more for the locked-in Williams, the one who scored all six OSU points in overtime in a 78-77 win at Oral Roberts on Friday and clinched the game with lock-down defense on Max Abmas, one of the nation’s most prominent shooters.
“This Bryce showing up every day,” Williams said.
If so, the Cowboys will benefit.
For the past five games, Williams has been the Cowboys’ most consistent and dynamic player. He’s shown growth on and off the court while looking to take advantage of his final season.
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And three and a half months after being arrested and charged with a misdemeanor, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, Williams said he has worked to make up for his choice.
The case has not been resolved in court, though Williams did serve a two-game suspension to open the season.
“Everybody makes mistakes,” Williams said. “That was my one mistake. It won’t happen again. But I’m not focused on that. I’m focused on my team.”
OSU coach Mike Boynton made it a point to talk to the team about Williams’ strides forward following Friday’s win.
“I’m so proud of him,” Boynton said. “I mean, so many times when you get judged about a lapse of judgment in a moment, it can be a turning point for you. And he’s used that as a way to refocus and try to take advantage of the opportunity in front of him to be a part of a really good team and to really be a leader.”
Boynton said Williams has become more vocal in the locker room than he was a year ago as a transfer from Ole Miss. He’s told his teammates to not make the same mistake. He’s told them he’s going to learn from it but he also wants them to as well.
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Through the five games Williams has played, he’s showing growth on the court.
Williams is averaging 10.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.4 steals in 22.4 minutes off the bench. He’s had highlight-reel dunks and blocks.
“He’s a talent,” OSU senior Isaac Likekele said, “debatably the best talent that we have all around, including last year. Last year, even with Cade (Cunningham) on the team, he was debatably the best talent that we have.
“He can really turn on that switch when he wants. Honestly, he’s one of the only players that I know that can truly turn on a switch when he wants to. It’s just a matter of if he wants to that game.”
Williams had dynamic stretches last season, even starting 19 of the final 21 games. He was second on the team — behind Cunningham — with 34 made 3-pointers.
He’s only 3-for-14 from beyond the arc this season, but he’s making his impact elsewhere. He’s had three or more assists in each game, including seven in his season debut against Prairie View A&M. He’s had two games without a turnover.
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Williams has also often brought his lock-down defense.
Williams asked for the assignment of guarding Abmas on Friday. Williams believed with his 6-foot-2 frame, Abmas would have issues. He was right.
Abmas’ 3-point shooting slowed when Williams entered the game. Abmas was 2 for 6 from deep after halftime. He made 5 of 6 in the opening half.
But he couldn’t get off the final shot with Williams guarding him in the final seconds.
That’s the version OSU hopes it gets from Williams moving forward.
“I actually do,” Boynton said about his comfort level with what version of Williams will show up moving forward.
“It’s a sign of growth. He’s a super-senior, so if you’re looking for leadership and maturity, it’s gotta come from him and Ice. The other guys have played but not nearly been through as much as those guys have been through.
“I think today will be a pretty big moment as we move forward in the season.”
Jacob Unruh covers college sports for The Oklahoman. You can send your story ideas to him at junruh@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @jacobunruh. Support his work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OSU basketball: Bryce Williams delivering his best version for Cowboys
