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Kenrich Williams has never had a problem betting on himself, and once again, it has paid off.
The former Frog, one of the greatest basketball players to come through Fort Worth, overcame long odds once again to make the final roster of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Pretty awesome that Kenrich Williams made the team. Had opportunity to be drafted as a two-way, decided no. Could have taken a two-way in off-season. Said no, bet on himself.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) October 13, 2018
Now, he’s on full roster in New Orleans on an 840k salary vs. what he’d make on a two-way (77k-385k.) https://t.co/wQrXoLNYYl
The 6’7, 210 pound rookie made the final 15 man roster when the Pels cut veteran Jarrett Jack and another former TCU Basketball player, Garlon Green. The guard-forward averaged 5.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and half an assist per game in 23 minutes per game in the preseason, making enough of an impression - especially on the defensive end of the floor - to be given a longer look by head coach Alvin Gentry.
The Pelicans open the season at Houston on Wednesday, meaning Williams will likely see his first NBA action in his home state of Texas. Kenny Hustle’s first game in Dallas will be on December 26th, and he will return on March 18th.
Williams led the Frogs to an NIT Championship in 2017 and to their first March Madness berth in two decades a season later. One of the most decorated players of the modern era of TCU Basketball, the man known as Kenny Hustle averaged 11 points and nearly nine rebounds per game for the Frogs, garnering numerous honors along the way - including All Big 12 accolades, NIT Most Outstanding Player, and much more.
Good luck and get boards this year, Hustle!