Oklahoma State basketball: Bryce Williams’ return is the right move

With the official and long-expected announcement that Cowboys guard Bryce Williams will return to Stillwater for another year of eligibility for the 2021-2022 season, Oklahoma State basketball fans can forgiven for experiencing even more optimism about next year.

Williams will remain with a stacked OSU backcourt this fall that features returning team leader Isaac Likelele, much ballyhooed Kansas transfer Bryce Thompson, and an emerging star in Avery Anderson. Williams’ decision to stay in Stillwater certainly helps soften the blow for a program that loses All-American Cade Cunningham from last season after finishing as the Big 12 runners-up.

The official return of guard Bryce Williams helps give Oklahoma State basketball legitimate Big 12 title aspirations for 2021-2022.

After transferring from Ole Miss, Williams was a key glue guy for head coach Mike Boynton and the Cowboys in his first year in Stillwater last season. The 6-foot-2 guard was third on the team in assists, steals, and blocks while averaging 7.3 points per game. He often defended the opponent’s best guard, and he also averaged 1.9 assists and 1.8 rebounds per game.

The Tampa, Fla. product shot 44.0% from the three-point line during the 2019-2020 for Ole Miss after transferring from Daytona State in Florida junior college ranks. Though his season shooting average in Stillwater did not equal this mark, Williams was a clutch player for the Cowboys in several key games, including the 70-65 home win against then-No. 6 Kansas and both Bedlam victories.

Williams could see an expanded role offensively for the Cowboys next season, which provided a great reason for his return to Stillwater. He’ll have the chance to build on his relationships at OSU, not only with Boynton and his new assistant coaches, but with current Cowboys players. With another offseason to jell and build chemistry, too, Williams can only stand to benefit next year.

It’s refreshing, too, to see that Williams wouldn’t bolt immediately to test the pro waters (at least not yet) or try out another transfer destination. After starting 19 of the team’s last 21 games last year, Williams will be ready to help the Cowboys build upon this spring’s success in what was the program’s best campaign since 2005.

With the chance to play alongside Bryce Thompson (not to mention Likelele and Anderson again) on a team that has legitimate aspirations to win one of the nation’s toughest conferences, it’s a no-brainer for Williams to choose to come back with another year of permitted NCAA eligibility.