Kenrich Williams
Kenrich Williams is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
College Career: Williams played college basketball for the TCU Horned Frogs. He redshirted his freshman year at TCU due to a knee injury. In his redshirt freshman season (2014-2015), he played in all 33 games, averaging 8.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. As a sophomore (2015-2016), he continued to be a key player, averaging 12.0 points and 9.3 rebounds, leading the team in both categories. His junior year (2016-2017) was a breakout season, where he averaged 11.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, helping TCU win the NIT Championship. In his senior season (2017-2018), Williams solidified his status as one of the best all-around players in the Big 12, averaging 13.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. He became only the third player in Big 12 history to record 1,000 points, 800 rebounds, and 200 assists.
Drafts: Despite his impressive college career, Williams went undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft. He then signed with the Denver Nuggets for the NBA Summer League.
Professional News and Data: Following his Summer League performance, Williams signed with the New Orleans Pelicans on July 24, 2018. He made his NBA debut on October 17, 2018. During his rookie season (2018-2019), he quickly became a valuable rotation player, known for his hustle, rebounding, and defensive versatility. He appeared in 46 games, averaging 6.1 points and 4.8 rebounds.
On November 24, 2020, Williams was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of a four-team trade that sent Steven Adams to the Pelicans. Since joining the Thunder, Williams has become an integral part of their rotation, often praised for his leadership, defensive prowess, and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. He signed a multi-year contract extension with the Thunder in July 2022, solidifying his future with the team. He is often referred to as “Kenny Hustle” by fans and commentators due to his relentless effort and energy on the court. His role on the Thunder has evolved from a pure energy player to a more refined all-around player who can hit open shots, facilitate, and defend multiple positions. He is a high-IQ player who consistently makes the right play and has a strong presence in the locker room.
Personal Data: Kenrich Williams was born on December 2, 1994, in Waco, Texas. He attended University High School in Waco, where he excelled in basketball. He is known for his humble demeanor and strong work ethic, characteristics that have endeared him to teammates, coaches, and fans. Williams is also involved in various community initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to giving back. He is known for his quiet leadership and willingness to do the “dirty work” on the court, making him a highly respected player in the league.
