Christian Williams ready to make a point
NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa – Christian Williams knows a good opportunity when he sees it.
That’s why the 6-foot-6 guard from Decatur, Ill., chose to play basketball for the University of Iowa where he will be a sophomore this season.
Williams saw the depth chart and knew there would be a chance to start at point guard as a sophomore after Mike Gesell and Anthony Clemmons had used up their eligibility.
Williams and incoming freshman Jordan Bohannon are the only point guards on Iowa’s 2016-17 roster. Each is working hard this summer to meet the challenge, including playing twice a week in the Prime Time League.
"There is a little bit different approach because we only have two point guards now, me and Jordan," Williams said after Thursday’s game. "I’m kind of looking to fill that position. So I’m just trying to take a bigger role and take a bigger leadership role."
Williams hopes to start at point guard, but his height also would allow him to play multiple positions.
Iowa has to replace four starters from last season’s team that advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Senior Peter Jok, a 6-6 shooting guard/small forward, is the only returning starter.
"We’ve worked in practice with Jordan at the (point) and me at the two or three with Pete also in there at the two and three," Williams said. "So we’re looking pretty good just trying to work together."
Bohannon described the practices this summer as being competitive with four starting positions up for grabs.
"I think it’s really staring to help our chemistry," said Bohannon, a former standout guard for Linn-Mar High School. "It helps when there isn’t a certainty of who is going to play or not. It just makes it even more competitive."
Williams played sparingly for Iowa last season until near the end when he cracked the rotation. He showed the ability to get to the basket and defend multiple positions.
"They kind of want me to post up a little bit more with the smaller point guards and try to do it a little bit more out here," Williams said of the Iowa coaches. "I think going to the basket is my strength."
Williams is working this summer to improve his perimeter shot, with help from Iowa assistant coach Kirk Speraw. Williams scored 18 points on Thursday, making 8-of-16 field-goal attempts. But he missed his only two attempts from 3-point range.
"Coach Speraw has been helping me out with that ever since I got here and I think it’s improved a lot," Williams said of his perimeter shot.
Williams was excited at this time last summer to be starting a new chapter in his life. But he also knew that playing time would be hard to achieve as a freshman.
Williams now feels a different kind of excitement knowing that he has a chance to make a significant contribution this coming season.
"Most definitely, just knowing that I’ll be on the floor a lot and have the ball in my hands a lot more than I did last year," Williams said. "So I’m really excited for it."
Williams also knows what to expect from Iowa coach Fran McCaffery after being around him for a year. McCaffery has a tendency to lose his temper, but Williams said it doesn’t bother him.
"We get kind of used to it in practice," Williams said. "He gets pretty mad when we mess up and don’t do what he says. But then you turnaround and make a good play and it’s all good."