Ex-Husky Williams starts for Bemidji
Bemidji State University guard Brayden Williams stands at half court during his debut game against University of Nebraska-Kearney in Duluth on Nov. 11. Williams tallied 12 points, five assists and four rebounds in the Beavers’ 96-90 win. Submitted photo
Just one year after helping lead Owatonna to the Class AA state semifinals, former Husky and current Bemidji State University Beaver Brayden Williams is already continuing his basketball legacy at the next level.
Having played point guard for the Huskies under his father and head coach Josh Williams, the one-time scoring giant, who averaged 23 points per game as a senior, has begun filling a new role with his collegiate team.
“One of the differences I’ve noticed is that my role changed from more of a scorer to more just doing little things throughout the game to help us win and not always having to put up points to win a game. I would say I still look for my shot but I’m also always looking to find other ways to get guys more involved in the offense,” said Williams.
According to Williams, starting as a freshman was something that he had hoped for but was an accomplishment he knew would not come without the necessary mindset and work ethic.
“It’s been a very humbling experience for me. Coming in, I wasn’t sure where I would be, but I knew I was going to come to compete and not take anything for granted. I wanted to come in and work every day to be better, but it’s meant a lot to me to get the minutes I am.”
Across five games to kick off the 2022-2023 season, Williams has certainly made the most of his minutes for the Beavers.
Recording 24.8 minutes on the court per game, Williams has averaged a steady seven points, 3.4 assists and 3.2 rebounds, while adding at least one made three-point shot in each game.
Almost equally as important as his offensive prowess has been Williams’ ability to contribute to valuable possessions.
The freshman has only recorded four turnovers in five games and has not given up the ball in either of his past two contests – a stat any coach would appreciate.
While Williams has been able to benefit from his early experience at the college level, so has his team.
Bemidji State currently sits at 4-1 overall and boasts a two-game winning streak heading into the team’s holiday break.
After suffering a heartbreaking 77-76 loss to Concordia-St. Paul, the Beavers have bullied opponents, winning 115-54 against Oak Hills Christian College and 99-83 against the University of Minnesota Morris.
Owatonna fans looking to follow Williams’ career as a Beaver can tune in for Bemidji State’s next game against St. Cloud State University on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m.