Robert Williams (Merged Threads)

[playdream]

Miss your first conference call plus your first summer league practice
or
Miss most of your shots in a ECF game 7, the biggest game of your life (so far)

I am far more worried about the later, to be honest

[Eddie20]

Miss your first conference call plus your first summer league practice
or
Miss most of your shots in a ECF game 7

I am far more worried about the later, to be honest

Or be late to an ECF game 7 because he overslept

Again, the kid has a lot of talent, but these type of immaturity issues + becoming a millionaire aren't a good combination.

[JHTruth]

He's the 27th pick. Until he shows me something to make me believe he should be in the NBA I really don't care about hearing about him this much. Bone head or not he'll probably be gone sooner then later.

He's waaaay more talented than your average 27 pick big man though. Most of the time they're plodders like Perk and Zizic.

[Eddie20]

It's a reoccurring theme, which makes it so concerning.



“Everyone was looking at it as the money, the money,” Robert Williams Jr. said yesterday after his son’s introductory news conference. “Well, the money wasn’t the most important thing. The most important thing was growth and maturity. That’s the reason for that — we didn’t care about the money.”

He had to grow up, and showed why at the start of his sophomore year.

Williams and two other Aggies were suspended for what was described as a violation of team rules. Though Admon Gilder and D.J. Hogg were benched for an exhibition game, Williams’ penalty was stiffer. He was suspended for the first two regular-season games.

“Just being a kid, not wanting to listen was basically what it boiled down to. That was it,” said the elder Williams.

“It wasn’t so much working on his game. It was his maturity level,” said Robert Williams Jr. “He wasn’t mature enough and I felt like he needed another year to grow and become a better young man. Decision-making was a priority, and I couldn’t be there every day. It was important that I had him go back for another year to mature, and it worked out."

[Scintan]

I find it amusing to watch some of you defending Williams by basically attacking all 20 year olds.  "Well, what do you expect?  He's only 20." is an interesting theory that gets proven wrong by millions of 20 year olds every day, but that's the hill people are dying on around here, rather than just admitting that the kid's a problem beyond standard age-related issues.  It's not as if all the other draftees are having the same problems, after all, but that's getting ignored in the fervor to defend a kid that you'd be slamming for doing this if it wasn't for the jersey he's now wearing.

Good stuff.

I don't see these grave "problems" everyone talks about. He missed a media ring kissing session and a flight to get back to practice. Waaaaaayyy overblown

If his only problems were those two items, he'd have been a lottery pick.

[Scintan]

I find it amusing to watch some of you defending Williams by basically attacking all 20 year olds.  "Well, what do you expect?  He's only 20." is an interesting theory that gets proven wrong by millions of 20 year olds every day, but that's the hill people are dying on around here, rather than just admitting that the kid's a problem beyond standard age-related issues.  It's not as if all the other draftees are having the same problems, after all, but that's getting ignored in the fervor to defend a kid that you'd be slamming for doing this if it wasn't for the jersey he's now wearing.

Good stuff.

But you don't really seem amused.   And what's more, you are wrong.  First off, the posts above (OK, I'll just defend my own) don't attack all 20 year old's -- that's your cynical interpretation and it's inaccurate.   Also, you are wrong if you think that typcial 20 year olds don't vary pretty dramatically (especially males) in terms of the development of executive functions -- which does a pretty good job of explaing why some 20 year olds are ready for independent living while other's aren't.  I raised 2 kids (in mid/late 20's now) -- both great people, both headed for successful/responsible lives.  Yet, they were significantly different from one another at 20.

But... you can be amused at the message above and think that it is an attack on all 20 year olds even when it isn't at all.

I am amused, and it's you who is wrong.  Scouts noted his issues as a problem.  His old coach noted it.  Even his old man acknowledges it.  People defending it are making themselves look ridiculous, and it's funny as hell, because this is a hill nobody should be bothering to defend, yet people such as yourself are trying, instead of just accepting the reality and moving on.


And most people who've hit 20 years old can figure out alarm clocks and flight times without the need of roommates and babysitters.

Have a nice day.

[Dino Pitino]

I find it amusing to watch some of you defending Williams by basically attacking all 20 year olds.  "Well, what do you expect?  He's only 20." is an interesting theory that gets proven wrong by millions of 20 year olds every day, but that's the hill people are dying on around here, rather than just admitting that the kid's a problem beyond standard age-related issues.  It's not as if all the other draftees are having the same problems, after all, but that's getting ignored in the fervor to defend a kid that you'd be slamming for doing this if it wasn't for the jersey he's now wearing.

Good stuff.

I don't see these grave "problems" everyone talks about. He missed a media ring kissing session and a flight to get back to practice. Waaaaaayyy overblown

This. Way, way, way overblown.

[Hoopvortex]

Williams high school assistant coach and a  high level trainer supplied by his agency are moving in with him. Now that's structure.

Good for him. Building a team is a way of creating accountability for yourself. Even now it might not be clear to him just how hard he’ll have to work, and that high school coach might not get it yet either - it’s certain that that guy has never performed at the NBA level, in any case, and his learning curve will be as steep as Williams’.

Getting a support structure around you is necessary to succeed at this level - but not sufficient. Better that it not be family or high school buds, but there’s no rule (Mama Tatum shows that!). What works is people who are as committed to your success as you are.

Encouraging. At any rate it doesn’t sound like it’s going to be a party house.

[tazzmaniac]

It's a reoccurring theme, which makes it so concerning.



“Everyone was looking at it as the money, the money,” Robert Williams Jr. said yesterday after his son’s introductory news conference. “Well, the money wasn’t the most important thing. The most important thing was growth and maturity. That’s the reason for that — we didn’t care about the money.”

He had to grow up, and showed why at the start of his sophomore year.

Williams and two other Aggies were suspended for what was described as a violation of team rules. Though Admon Gilder and D.J. Hogg were benched for an exhibition game, Williams’ penalty was stiffer. He was suspended for the first two regular-season games.

“Just being a kid, not wanting to listen was basically what it boiled down to. That was it,” said the elder Williams.

“It wasn’t so much working on his game. It was his maturity level,” said Robert Williams Jr. “He wasn’t mature enough and I felt like he needed another year to grow and become a better young man. Decision-making was a priority, and I couldn’t be there every day. It was important that I had him go back for another year to mature, and it worked out."

Pretty much all 20 year old males need to mature.  Williams did get suspended but then didn't get into any more trouble.  D.J. Hogg, who was mentioned, ended up getting suspended again.  One of their guards ended up getting kicked off the team.  Williams is in a much better situation now. 

[Eddie20]

It's a reoccurring theme, which makes it so concerning.



“Everyone was looking at it as the money, the money,” Robert Williams Jr. said yesterday after his son’s introductory news conference. “Well, the money wasn’t the most important thing. The most important thing was growth and maturity. That’s the reason for that — we didn’t care about the money.”

He had to grow up, and showed why at the start of his sophomore year.

Williams and two other Aggies were suspended for what was described as a violation of team rules. Though Admon Gilder and D.J. Hogg were benched for an exhibition game, Williams’ penalty was stiffer. He was suspended for the first two regular-season games.

“Just being a kid, not wanting to listen was basically what it boiled down to. That was it,” said the elder Williams.

“It wasn’t so much working on his game. It was his maturity level,” said Robert Williams Jr. “He wasn’t mature enough and I felt like he needed another year to grow and become a better young man. Decision-making was a priority, and I couldn’t be there every day. It was important that I had him go back for another year to mature, and it worked out."

Pretty much all 20 year old males need to mature.  Williams did get suspended but then didn't get into any more trouble.  D.J. Hogg, who was mentioned, ended up getting suspended again.  One of their guards ended up getting kicked off the team.  Williams is in a much better situation now.

Agreed. However, Williams needs to mature more than most. We've had a pretty good culture here, particularly since Stevens took the helm. In fact, this is the first rookie we've selected, while under Stevens, with baggage. That coupled with his two mishaps right out of the gate didn't help alleviate concerns.

[byennie]

I find it amusing to watch some of you defending Williams by basically attacking all 20 year olds.  "Well, what do you expect?  He's only 20." is an interesting theory that gets proven wrong by millions of 20 year olds every day, but that's the hill people are dying on around here, rather than just admitting that the kid's a problem beyond standard age-related issues.  It's not as if all the other draftees are having the same problems, after all, but that's getting ignored in the fervor to defend a kid that you'd be slamming for doing this if it wasn't for the jersey he's now wearing.

Good stuff.

But you don't really seem amused.   And what's more, you are wrong.  First off, the posts above (OK, I'll just defend my own) don't attack all 20 year old's -- that's your cynical interpretation and it's inaccurate.   Also, you are wrong if you think that typcial 20 year olds don't vary pretty dramatically (especially males) in terms of the development of executive functions -- which does a pretty good job of explaing why some 20 year olds are ready for independent living while other's aren't.  I raised 2 kids (in mid/late 20's now) -- both great people, both headed for successful/responsible lives.  Yet, they were significantly different from one another at 20.

But... you can be amused at the message above and think that it is an attack on all 20 year olds even when it isn't at all.

I am amused, and it's you who is wrong.  Scouts noted his issues as a problem.  His old coach noted it.  Even his old man acknowledges it.  People defending it are making themselves look ridiculous, and it's funny as hell, because this is a hill nobody should be bothering to defend, yet people such as yourself are trying, instead of just accepting the reality and moving on.


And most people who've hit 20 years old can figure out alarm clocks and flight times without the need of roommates and babysitters.

Have a nice day.

You're amused, because you're arguing against a straw man. Nobody is claiming the kid is overly mature. Nobody is denying that many 20 year-olds are more responsible than him. Nobody is on a hilltop saying he doesn't deserve any criticism at all.

All people are really saying, is that everything he's done so far is within a reasonably normal range for a kid from a small town who's never had much serious responsibility beyond playing a little college basketball. Not good, just not that unusual and many times will turn out fine with a little help. How many NBA stars right now are you sure were total consummate professionals at 20?

As for the babysitter thing, talk about another overreaction. How many young picks with zero issues have had mom move in with them, and it gets tossed around like some heartwarming story? Playing NBA basketball for millions of dollars IS more responsibility than most 20 year-olds have. The fact that it's a lot of money doesn't just magically work that out or make a human being instantly adjust to living on their own.

The reality I'm noticing is that some people take a lot of pleasure in ridiculing a kid they really know nothing about, who hasn't done a single serious bad thing. Yes, we can all see that he's off to a bad start with attendance. Whether you are anyone else was more punctual as a 20 year-old is not that intriguing.

[Celtics4ever]

“Just being a kid, not wanting to listen was basically what it boiled down to. That was it,” said the elder Williams.

Getting paid to listen can make a big difference.

[Ogaju]

One thing we should all be able to agree on here is that the young man is probably better off with those posters that show concern than those that think this is not a big deal let it go.

The lack of attention to character and responsible behavior is what fosters irresponsible behavior. Let it go is quite possibly the worst response.

The fact, that there are people moving him with him is proof positive that those around him see that he needs help. He needs help because there is a problem.

I think the folks with concerns win this one.

[Neurotic Guy]

I find it amusing to watch some of you defending Williams by basically attacking all 20 year olds.  "Well, what do you expect?  He's only 20." is an interesting theory that gets proven wrong by millions of 20 year olds every day, but that's the hill people are dying on around here, rather than just admitting that the kid's a problem beyond standard age-related issues.  It's not as if all the other draftees are having the same problems, after all, but that's getting ignored in the fervor to defend a kid that you'd be slamming for doing this if it wasn't for the jersey he's now wearing.

Good stuff.

But you don't really seem amused.   And what's more, you are wrong.  First off, the posts above (OK, I'll just defend my own) don't attack all 20 year old's -- that's your cynical interpretation and it's inaccurate.   Also, you are wrong if you think that typcial 20 year olds don't vary pretty dramatically (especially males) in terms of the development of executive functions -- which does a pretty good job of explaing why some 20 year olds are ready for independent living while other's aren't.  I raised 2 kids (in mid/late 20's now) -- both great people, both headed for successful/responsible lives.  Yet, they were significantly different from one another at 20.

But... you can be amused at the message above and think that it is an attack on all 20 year olds even when it isn't at all.

I am amused, and it's you who is wrong.  Scouts noted his issues as a problem.  His old coach noted it.  Even his old man acknowledges it.  People defending it are making themselves look ridiculous, and it's funny as hell, because this is a hill nobody should be bothering to defend, yet people such as yourself are trying, instead of just accepting the reality and moving on.


And most people who've hit 20 years old can figure out alarm clocks and flight times without the need of roommates and babysitters.

Have a nice day.

Does no good to say you are wrong again (btw absolutely no one here is predicting Williams will make it —  just leaving the door open).

And I really hope you had a good day and have a good night.   I miss your posts and hope you are back to posting regularly.

[wiley]

I think it's pretty alarming that Williams needs a full time babysitter. Because you can call it what you want, but that's pretty much what he's getting.

Yup. The fact that he needs a babysitter is all you need to know.

Is this your end game?  I mean, what is the point of your post?