Former TCU guard/forward Kenrich Williams overcame his undrafted status and secured a spot on the New Orleans Pelicans 15-man roster. Williams beat out three players fighting for the final two roster spots: Garlon Green, former 1,000 point scorer at TCU, Jarrett Jack and Troy Williams. “He’s a tremendous player, a guy who can create for himself and shoot the ball, and he’s a solid defender and rebounds well, especially on the offensive glass,” said Kurt Thomas, the last Horned Frog to play in the NBA. “Solid on both ends on the floor.” Surrounded by Anthony Davis and learning under head coach Alvin Gentry, Thomas called Williams’ spot in New Orleans an “unbelievable opportunity.” His main advice for the Williams was simple: don’t stop working. “You have to be in that playbook, doing your homework to learn the system on both sides, and [Williams] has to learn to be a professional, being on the road,” Thomas said. “He’s going to have to create a routine.” Thomas played nearly two decades in the NBA. An 18-year veteran, he suited up for the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Seattle SuperSonics, San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, and Portland Trail Blazers. His final NBA season concluded in 2012-2013, and his No. 40 now hangs in the rafters of Schollmaier Arena. Thomas credited his longevity with continually finding time to improve his skill set. “I was a gym rat. I always grew up in the gym, and for me it was all about playing the game, shooting the ball,” said Thomas. “Watching my teammates, watching my opponent. I just wanted to compete and to see if you’re better than the next man.”
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TCU’s last NBA mainstay thinks Williams has chance to succeed in pros
Published Nov 6, 2018

New Orleans Pelicans guard Kenrich Williams (34) and Toronto Raptors center Eric Moreland (1) reach for a rebound during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. The Raptors won 134-119. (AP Photo/Scott Threlkeld)
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