Kristian Ferrell
Will Bynum, born in Chicago, Illinois, played basketball for Georgia Tech in the early 2000s. Bynum transferred to Georgia Tech from Arizona, citing the desire to be closer to his mother, who was suffering from diabetes at the time. He was a speedy 5'11 guard who, in his freshman season at Arizona, averaged 6.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. During his time at Georgia Tech, Bynum helped the Yellow Jackets advance to the national championship game in 2004, where they ultimately lost to the UConn Huskies. After going undrafted in the 2005 NBA draft, Bynum played for several professional teams, including the Boston Celtics, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and the Atlanta Hawks.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Will Bynum's transfer from Arizona to Georgia Tech
However, in his sophomore season (2002-03), Bynum played just eight games for Arizona before deciding to leave the program on January 6, 2003. He transferred to Georgia Tech, enrolling there on January 13, 2003, primarily to be closer to his family, especially his mother, who was suffering from diabetes at the time. Bynum also felt that he had to prove himself and that transferring would give his mother a better opportunity to watch him play.
Bynum became eligible to play for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets following the 2003 fall semester exams. In his first season with the Yellow Jackets (2003-04), he played 30 games, averaging 9.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 20.5 minutes per game. The team finished as National Runner-Up. In his senior year (2004-05), Bynum was named to the ACC All-Tournament first team and set a Georgia Tech ACC Tournament record with 35 points in a semi-final victory over North Carolina. Overall, Bynum averaged 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in 27.3 minutes per game during his final season with Georgia Tech.
Bynum's transfer from Arizona to Georgia Tech was a pivotal moment in his basketball journey, allowing him to develop his skills, showcase his talent, and ultimately pursue a professional basketball career.
Baylor Basketball Game: Find Your Channel Tonight
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Bynum's performance in the 2003-04 season
Will Bynum became eligible to play for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets following the 2003 fall semester exams. In the 2003-04 season, he played 30 games, averaging 9.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 20.5 minutes per game. Bynum's performance in the 2003-04 season helped the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets finish as National Runner-Up.
In the National Semifinal against Oklahoma State, Bynum scored with 1.5 seconds remaining, sending the Yellow Jackets to the title game. Bynum averaged 12.1 points in regular-season ACC games, ranking third on the Tech team, and 2.4 assists. He shot 37.3 percent from the floor and 82.0 percent from the foul line in conference games.
During the 2003-04 season, Bynum also had notable performances against Maryland and Wake Forest. Against Maryland on January 17, he scored nine points in a decisive 14-0 run, almost single-handedly bringing the Jackets back from a 7-point second-half deficit. At Wake Forest, he scored 15 first-half points, including three three-pointers, to lift the Jackets.
Bynum's decision to transfer to Georgia Tech was influenced by his desire to be closer to home and his mother, who was suffering from diabetes at the time. He previously played for Arizona, but left the program in January 2003 and enrolled at Georgia Tech seven days later.
The Future of Kuroko's Basketball: What's Next?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Georgia Tech's 2004 national championship game
Will Bynum was a key player in Georgia Tech's 2004 national championship game. Bynum transferred to Georgia Tech in 2003, citing the desire to be closer to his mother, who was suffering from diabetes, as the primary reason for the move. Bynum quickly made an impact on the team, playing 30 games in 2003-04 while averaging 9.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 20.5 minutes per game.
In the National Semifinal against Oklahoma State, Bynum scored with 1.5 seconds remaining, sending the Yellow Jackets to their first-ever National Championship game. In the Final Four, Bynum's last-second shot against Oklahoma State secured a 67-65 victory and a place in the championship game.
The 2004 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship game was played on April 5, 2004, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. It featured the #2-seeded Connecticut Huskies against the #3-seeded Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. The Huskies had previously lost to Georgia Tech in the 2003 NIT Season Tip-Off but were now seeking their second national championship.
Connecticut dominated the first half, leading 41-26 at halftime. Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon combined for 24 points, outscoring Georgia Tech's first-half total of 26 points. The Huskies ultimately prevailed with a final score of 82-73, securing their second national championship. Despite the loss, the Georgia Tech players took away mostly positive feelings about the season, reflecting on the support and pride they received from the community.
Where to Watch Louisville Cardinals Men's Basketball
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Bynum's career after Georgia Tech
Will Bynum went undrafted in the 2005 NBA draft after leaving Georgia Tech. He then joined the Boston Celtics for the 2005 NBA Summer League, where he averaged 4.2 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game in six games. On September 6, 2006, Bynum signed with Maccabi Tel Aviv of Israel for the 2006-07 season, helping the team win the 2007 Israeli Basketball Premier League championship and earning the Finals MVP award. During the 2007-08 season, he helped Maccabi reach the finals of the Israeli Cup, the Israeli Premier League, and the EuroLeague. However, his time in Israel was also marked by controversy, as he was involved in a nightclub brawl and was accused of running over a man with his car.
In December 2014, Bynum signed with the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association as an injury replacement. He averaged 22.3 points, 7.1 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 30 games. He then returned to the NBA, signing a 10-day contract with the Washington Wizards in March 2015 and later signing for the rest of the season in April. In August 2015, he re-signed with the Guangdong Southern Tigers, averaging 17.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 2.3 steals in 29 games.
Bynum continued his career journey by signing with the Atlanta Hawks in September 2016, but he was waived the following month after appearing in seven games. He then joined the Windy City Bulls, making his debut on December 31, 2016, against the Maine Red Claws. With the Windy City Bulls, he recorded 20 points, two rebounds, 10 assists, and two steals in 36 minutes.
South Dakota: Girls' Basketball Tournament Venues and Dates
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Bynum's arrest in 2008
On January 5, 2008, while out celebrating his 25th birthday, Will Bynum hit a 22-year-old man with his car outside a Tel Aviv nightclub and fled the scene. The man was taken to the hospital with moderate injuries. Bynum was later questioned and taken into custody by the police.
It was initially alleged that Bynum hit the man with his vehicle after a brawl in which his brother was stabbed and other players were attacked as well. The prosecution also claimed that he would try to flee the country if released. As a result, a judge extended his remand, and he was later released to house arrest.
Bynum's case was eventually closed with no charges after the investigation determined that the collision was not intentional and that his actions were justified. The Tel Aviv district attorney stated that Bynum was in "tangible danger" and had to escape by driving his car.
Jen's Age: Basketball Wives Star's Youthfulness Explained
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A: Bynum was a guard for the Yellow Jackets.
A: Bynum averaged 11.1 points per game across two seasons at Georgia Tech.
A: Bynum played for Georgia Tech in 2003 and 2004.
A: Bynum scored 25 points in a game against Maryland on January 17, 2004.
A: Bynum went undrafted in the 2005 NBA draft and then played for several teams, including the Boston Celtics, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and the Guangdong Southern Tigers.
