Williams is dancing: L.C. Bird alum in pursuit of second national championship

What do you get the college basketball player who has everything?
Another national championship.

Kenny Williams, a L.C. Bird High graduate, is a senior at No. 1 Midwest seed North Carolina. After already winning a national title in 2017, he’s looking to end his college career on top.

With a 81-59 win over ninth-seeded Washington on Sunday, Williams and company advance to the Sweet Sixteen to face Auburn at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Once the apple of then-VCU coach Shaka Smart’s eye, Williams committed to Roy Williams and North Carolina late in the recruiting process after Smart left for the University of Texas.

It turns out that it might be the best basketball decision he’s ever made. Smart’s Longhorns have gone 66-66 since 2015. In Smart’s first season, Texas fell victim to Northern Iowa in the first round of the NCAA tournament. In 2016, the Longhorns lost 22 games. In 2017, it was another first round loss to Nevada in March Madness, and this year, the Longhorns are in the NIT.

Williams has started 92 games since the start of his sophomore year at North Carolina, averaging 10 points per contest over his junior and senior seasons. Just like he did at L.C. Bird, Williams has provided the Tar Heels with tough defense, a steady shooting hand and the toughness to grab rebounds despite many saying that he was too undersized to succeed in the ACC.

What’s perhaps most impressive about Williams’ tenure at UNC is that in an ultra-competitive world where a line-up spot can get taken by someone who’s just as talented, he earned it back and has succeeded in keeping the starting job.

Missing time with an injury during his sophomore season? No problem. He started 36 of 37 games as a junior. Lower than expected shooting stats this season? Not a problem. Williams has increased his rebounding, assists and defensive stats.

Some level of pro basketball awaits Williams, should he so desire to play in the professional ranks.

Whatever that might be, it’s not important right now. Williams and the rest of the Tar Heels want another ring.