Ayrton Oneill
Keith Williams, a guard for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats basketball team, was projected to be an NBA draft pick in 2021. However, he decided to withdraw his name and return for his senior season at UC. Williams, known for his elite athleticism and finishing ability, aimed to improve his consistency and defensive performance during his senior year. After a successful college career, Williams transferred to Western Kentucky for his fifth season of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic but was ruled out before playing any games due to eligibility issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Keith Williams |
| Sport | Basketball |
| Position | Guard |
| University | Cincinnati |
| Nickname | Bearcats |
| Year | Senior |
| NBA Draft | Withdrew in 2021 |
| Transfer Portal | Western Kentucky |
| Eligibility | Fifth season due to COVID-19 |
| NCAA Ruling | Denied immediate eligibility |
| Otago Nuggets | Signed in 2022, won championship |
| New Zealand NBL Season | MVP honors with 34 points |
| Raptors 905 | Acquired in 2023, waived in November |
| German ProA | Signed with VfL AstroStars Bochum in 2024 |
| High School Honors | All-New York City Player of the Year, CHSAA Most Valuable Player |
| High School Statistics | Averaged 24.2 points and 12.6 rebounds as a senior |
| College Statistics | Started 83 of 121 games, averaging 9.6 points and 3.2 rebounds |
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What You'll Learn
- Keith Williams' decision to withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to UC for his senior year
- Williams' elite athleticism and offensive skills
- Williams' performance in the 2020-21 season
- Williams' previous accolades and career accomplishments
- Williams' transfer to Western Kentucky and subsequent move to the Otago Nuggets
Keith Williams' decision to withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to UC for his senior year
In 2020, Keith Williams made the decision to withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to the University of Cincinnati (UC) for his senior year. Williams, a guard for the Cincinnati Bearcats, had initially declared as an early entrant in the 2021 NBA Draft in March 2020, shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the college basketball season was cut short.
However, by August of that year, Williams had a change of heart and announced he would be returning to UC for his senior season. This decision was welcomed by the Bearcats' coaching staff, who recognized Williams' talent and believed he could play a key role in the team's success.
Williams himself spoke of feeling more relaxed and pressure-free upon his return, stating, "I feel like this year for me is a more relaxed Keith. No pressure, just playing, trying to win." He also acknowledged the uncertainty of the previous spring and summer, during which he had been unsure if there would even be a college basketball season due to the pandemic.
Williams' decision to return to UC was influenced by his desire to improve his offensive game and defensive consistency. UC coach Brannen expressed confidence in Williams' ability to take his game to the next level, noting his preternatural athleticism and elite finishing capability. Brannen also emphasized the importance of consistency, challenging Williams to maintain his defensive focus for the full 40 minutes of a game rather than just in spurts.
Williams' return to UC for his senior year ultimately paid off, as he was named an AAC Second Team honoree and helped lead the Bearcats to an AAC tournament title and an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2021.
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Williams' elite athleticism and offensive skills
Keith Williams is an elite athlete and a skilled offensive player. During his high school career, he was named the 2017 All-New York City Player of the Year and Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) Class AA Most Valuable Player. He helped lead his team, Bishop Loughlin, to the Brooklyn/Queens championship game and the intersectional semifinals. As a senior, he averaged 24.2 points and 12.6 rebounds per game, showcasing his exceptional scoring and rebounding abilities.
Williams' success continued at the University of Cincinnati, where he was a key member of the Bearcats men's basketball team. In his senior year (2020-21), he started 22 out of 23 games, averaging 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 steals in 27.4 minutes. His performance earned him several accolades, including being named an AAC Second Team honoree and being selected to the NABC All-District 24 Second Team.
Williams' offensive prowess was on full display during the 2020-21 season, as he consistently scored in double figures and provided valuable contributions in rebounds, assists, and steals. He was also named to the AAC Weekly Honor Roll on multiple occasions, highlighting his outstanding performances against Vanderbilt and East Carolina.
One of Williams' standout offensive skills is his ability to shoot the three-pointer. He knocked down several crucial three-pointers during his college career, including one just before halftime at UConn in the 2020-21 regular season. His shooting ability stretches beyond the three-point line, as he is also an excellent free-throw shooter, providing his team with reliable scoring options during games.
Williams' athleticism and offensive skills have contributed to his success on the court and have helped him become one of the top players for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats. His ability to score, rebound, and provide assists has made him a valuable asset to his team and a constant threat to opposing defenses.
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Williams' performance in the 2020-21 season
In the 2020-21 season, Keith Williams played for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats as a senior. He started 22 out of 23 games, averaging 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 steals in 27.4 minutes.
Williams had a standout performance against Furman on December 9, 2020, scoring a season-high 27 points in a 78-73 win. He also had notable games against Xavier, where he posted 16 points, four rebounds, and two blocks, and UNLV, where he scored 15 points and grabbed a career-high eight rebounds.
Williams was named to the Second Team All-American Athletic Conference (AAC) and finished his Bearcats career with 1,156 points, ranking him 35th in program history as of 2020. He helped lead the Bearcats to two NCAA Tournament appearances (2018 and 2019), two American Athletic Conference regular-season championships (2018 and 2020), two AAC tournament titles (2018 and 2019), and an AAC tournament runner-up finish in 2021.
Williams declared for the 2021 NBA draft but later withdrew and entered the transfer portal. He transferred to Western Kentucky for his fifth season of eligibility, which was granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Williams' previous accolades and career accomplishments
Before joining the University of Cincinnati, Keith Williams was named the 2017 All-New York City Player of the Year and Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) Class AA Most Valuable Player. He helped Bishop Loughlin reach the Brooklyn/Queens championship game and intersectional semifinals. During his senior year, he averaged 24.2 points and 12.6 rebounds, and during his junior year, he averaged 15 points and 4.3 rebounds. He also netted 37 points in a CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens diocesan semifinal double-overtime win against Christ the King.
Williams' athletic abilities and refined offensive skillset were praised by Brannen, who highlighted his elite finishing capability and ability to score at different angles. Williams' defensive skills were also recognised, as he was graded as one of the top defenders in the country during the last 10 minutes of games.
During his time at the University of Cincinnati, Williams started 83 out of 121 games, averaging 9.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 22.5 minutes. He was named Second Team All-AAC in 2021 and helped lead the Bearcats to two NCAA Tournament appearances (2018 and 2019), two American Athletic Conference regular-season championships (2018 and 2020), two AAC tournament titles (2018 and 2019), and one AAC tournament runner-up finish (2021). He finished 35th on UC's all-time scoring list with 1,156 career points.
In his senior year at UC, Williams started 22 out of 23 games, averaging 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 steals in 27.4 minutes. He was named an AAC Second Team honoree and was recognised on the NABC All-District 24 Second Team. He was also named to the AAC Weekly Honor Roll after strong performances against Vanderbilt and East Carolina.
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Williams' transfer to Western Kentucky and subsequent move to the Otago Nuggets
In 2021, Keith Williams, a 6'5" guard and Brooklyn, N.Y. native, transferred to Western Kentucky University (WKU) Hilltoppers basketball team for his senior year. He joined the squad after four years at the University of Cincinnati, where he played for the Cincinnati Bearcats and helped lead them to two American Athletic Conference (AAC) regular-season championships, two American tournament titles, and two NCAA Tournament appearances. During his time at Cincinnati, Williams improved his scoring average each year and finished with 1,156 points, ranking 35th on the program's all-time scoring list. In his senior season, he averaged 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, earning a spot on the Second Team All-AAC.
Williams chose to leave Cincinnati and play for Head Coach Rick Stansbury at WKU for his additional "super senior" year, granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His decision added a quality starter and valuable experience to the Hilltoppers' roster. Coach Stansbury praised Williams, stating, "Keith is a player who's had great success at a high level and with a quality program... He brings us maturity, experience, versatility, and a lot of toughness."
Following his transfer to Western Kentucky University, Williams pursued his basketball career and joined the Otago Nuggets, a professional basketball team based in Dunedin, New Zealand. The Otago Nuggets compete in the National Basketball League (NBL) and play their home games at the Edgar Centre. The team first entered the NBL in 1990 and has experienced varying levels of success, including several semi-final appearances and a few challenging seasons. After a tumultuous 2008 season and financial concerns, the Nuggets withdrew from the NBL for a few years before returning in 2020.
Williams' decision to join the Otago Nuggets marked a new chapter in his basketball journey, allowing him to showcase his skills and contribute to the success of his new team in New Zealand's NBL.
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Frequently asked questions
Keith Williams is a basketball player who played for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats as a guard. He was named the 2017 All-New York City Player of the Year and Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) Class AA Most Valuable Player.
After initially declaring for the 2021 NBA draft, Williams decided to withdraw and enter the transfer portal. He transferred to Western Kentucky for his fifth season of eligibility, which was granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he did not end up playing for Western Kentucky as his appeal for immediate eligibility was denied.
Williams helped lead the Bearcats to two NCAA Tournament appearances (2018 and 2019), two American Athletic Conference regular-season championships (2018 and 2020), two AAC tournament titles (2018 and 2019), and one AAC tournament runner-up finish (2021). He finished 35th on UC's all-time scoring list with 1,156 career points.
Williams' coach Brannen said that Williams is a "winner" but needed to be more consistent throughout games. Brannen also praised Williams' offensive capabilities, saying that he is "really one of the more talented guys out there in terms of the ways he can score."
