Syracuse Basketball: Benny Williams will be stat-sheet stuffer this season

Benny Williams is embarking on his freshman campaign with Syracuse basketball as a five-star recruit in the 2021 class, and Orange fans are excited about his arrival on the Hill.

The 6-foot-8 forward, a Bowie, Md., native, who spent his senior season at the powerhouse IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., continues to learn the ‘Cuse system and progress in his development, Orange coaches have said.

In his two exhibition games for Syracuse basketball, Williams already has displayed his athleticism and versatility. He’s bouncy and long, and Williams will be able to suit up at either small forward or power forward within the ‘Cuse 2-3 zone defense.

Even though he’s yet to play an official contest for the Orange, as Syracuse basketball begins its 2021-22 regular season when it hosts Lafayette on Tuesday, Nov. 9, I’ve seen a ton of ‘Cuse fanatics suggest that Williams should enter the starting rotation for head coach Jim Boeheim sooner rather than later.

Syracuse basketball forward Benny Williams is going to shine in his first Orange stanza.

I’m really high on Williams, but I don’t think he’s necessarily going to start anytime soon. He’ll absolutely get a good amount of run, but let’s remember that Williams is a freshman.

Additionally, the team’s other two primary forwards are graduate student Jimmy Boeheim and senior Cole Swider, both of whom have years of experience competing at the Division I level.

Regardless, in the squad’s recent 90-50 dismantling of Division II Le Moyne inside the Carrier Dome, Williams showed that he’s capable of filling up the stat sheet.

In roughly 25 minutes of action, Williams registered 11 points on 4-of-5 from the field and 3-of-3 from the charity stripe. He also collected five boards, a stellar five steals and one block, according to statistics provided by Syracuse.com.

Given that he’s a newbie just getting started at the collegiate level, Williams will likely have some growing pains, which is totally understandable. It will also take some time for him to completely find his rhythm on offense, as well as in the 2-3 zone.

But Williams clearly has excellent defensive instincts, he’s assertive in crashing the offensive and defensive glass, and I’m enthused that he’s unafraid to drive to the hoop with authority.

It’s pretty well documented that Syracuse basketball is going to take, and hopefully make, a ton of 3-pointers in 2021-22. However, the Orange offense can’t always rely on the long ball.

Guys like junior point guard Joe Girard III making a concerted effort to find ‘Cuse forwards and centers in the interior is vital. Moreover, when players such as Williams are consistent threats in getting into the lane and scoring, that will undoubtedly free up shooters on the perimeter for step-in looks.

Williams definitely will continue to enhance his jump-shot, which needs a bit more arc on it. I wholeheartedly love how unselfish he is, often looking for his open teammates rather than eyeing a bucket himself, but he does need to hunt for his own shot, too.

Against Le Moyne, there were multiple occasions where Williams could have hoisted up an open shot, and he didn’t. In his post-game press conference, Boeheim noted that Williams is an excellent passer, but at the same time, the head coach said that his freshman forward has to be aiming to finish when he gets into the paint.