SDSU forward playing against the world (Kai)

[filbert]

Argus article:

Coach Greg Francis called Williams the most improved player on a squad that last summer helped Canada qualify for the U-19 tournament - held every four years since 1973 - for the first time since 1991. That likely wouldn't be the case if he had chosen to attend college in Canada, according to Williams' mom, Karen. And yet Jackrabbits coach Scott Nagy contends that SDSU probably wouldn't have been able to land the 6-foot-6 swingman if he had grown up in America.

[bballfan54]

Re: SDSU forward playing against the world (Kai)

Nice article MANY thanks to Terry V.

[89rabbit]

Re: SDSU forward playing against the world (Kai)

Because the Argus doesn't archive its articles, here is a little more:


http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs...310/1002/rss02

SDSU forward playing against the world
Williams to join Canada for Under-19 World Championships next week

By Terry Vandrovec
tvandrovec@argusleader.com
Published: July 6, 2007

The only member of the South Dakota State men's basketball team not spending the summer in Brookings is headed even farther away.

Forward Kai Williams was one of 12 players named to Team Canada for the Under-19 World Championships on Thursday, although he's had a plane ticket to Serbia since the first round of tryouts ended more than two weeks ago. In fact, he's also been asked to play for Canada's development national team in the World University Games in Bangkok, an invitation he's yet considering because the tournament ends so close to the start of his sophomore year (Aug. 18).

Coach Greg Francis called Williams the most improved player on a squad that last summer helped Canada qualify for the U-19 tournament - held every four years since 1973 - for the first time since 1991. That likely wouldn't be the case if he had chosen to attend college in Canada, according to Williams' mom, Karen. And yet Jackrabbits coach Scott Nagy contends that SDSU probably wouldn't have been able to land the 6-foot-6 swingman if he had grown up in America.

Bottom line: He's in the right place to get better.

"I feel that college has helped me a lot," Williams wrote in an e-mail from training camp. "I have gained strength and have improved my game in some aspects. Going against the competition I have faced has really helped me, even though there are still a lot of things I need to improve on." . . . (read more)


Go State!

[rabidrabbit]

Re: SDSU forward playing against the world (Kai)

Great article by Terry (AGAIN!)

Congrats to Kai and keep improving!

[JackJD]

Re: SDSU forward playing against the world (Kai)

Thanks for posting the link to the full article. I can't wait to watch Kai and his teammates this season. There's going to be a huge turnaround and Frost is going to rock.

[bballfan54]

Re: SDSU forward playing against the world (Kai)

I am having some serious withdrawal from Basketball, this is the first summer we have not travelled with either Jamal or Kai for basketball since they were 10 and 11
Roll on November

[jackrabit1]

Re: SDSU forward playing against the world (Kai)

Mrs. W, just checked out the website... is that the one and only "Larry Legend" in the photo group?

COOOOOOOOL!

[bballfan54]

Re: SDSU forward playing against the world (Kai)

Which website ?? Larry Legend ?? can you explain a little more

[bballfan54]

Re: SDSU forward playing against the world (Kai)

Do you mean Leo Rautins ??when Kai was very young ?

[jackrabit1]

Re: SDSU forward playing against the world (Kai)

I was thinking Larry Bird in the bottom right hand pic.

[bballfan54]

Re: SDSU forward playing against the world (Kai)

No that is Leo Rautins, Kai was 10 then, and Leo had a camp in Regina, Kai and Jamal attended the camp of his for about 3 years.

Ironic isn't it Leo is now the SR MENS NATIONAL COACH FOR CANADA.

[jackrabit1]

Re: SDSU forward playing against the world (Kai)

Amazing what a few years can do!

[bballfan54]

Re: SDSU forward playing against the world (Kai)

If anyone is Interested this link should take you to Kai's stats when the games begin tomorrow , they play Nigeria first, they should have a couple of 7 footers, so Canada will be taken to task right off the bat, or ball

http://www.serbia2007.fiba.com/pages..._playStat.html

[UWMandSDSU]

Re: SDSU forward playing against the world (Kai)

I am personally interested in seeing how Kai does against the Australians in the third game in Pool play. I got to know 9 of their Aussie players while working at the Australian Instittue of Sport. They have 4 players committed to Div I schools this upcoming season (Santa Clara, Vanderbilt, Pepperdine, and St. Mary's (CA)).

[NorCalJack]

Re: SDSU forward playing against the world (Kai)

I see Canada won, 82 - 60. Kai Williams had 11 points and 6 rebounds. The box score is not up so I can tell what the % for FG and FT are.

Go State!!! 8-) 8-) 8-)

Go Canada!!!