Kenrich Williams, a former TCU Horned Frogs basketball star, graduated in 2018 as one of the most decorated players in the program’s history. Last month, he achieved a major milestone by winning an <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA championship with the Oklahoma City Thunder, solidifying his journey from collegiate success to professional triumph.
During his time at TCU, Williams earned All-Big 12 honors in both his junior and senior years, scored 1,125 points, and holds the fourth-best rebound total in program history with 877 boards. He played a pivotal role in the Horned Frogs’ 2017 NIT championship and their 2018 NCAA tournament appearance, which was TCU’s first since 1998. After joining the Thunder in 2020 via trade, Williams became only the second Horned Frog to win an NBA title, the first since Scott Brooks in 1994 with the Houston Rockets.
Williams Shares Emotions and Insights from Winning the NBA Title
Reflecting on the NBA Finals victory about a month later, Williams described the experience as emotionally intense and stressful during the playoffs but ultimately rewarding. He explained the challenge of staying focused amid pressure, emphasizing the importance of remaining present as advised by Thunder coach Mark Daignault:
“Our coach uses the phrase of ‘just be where your feet are.’ That’s just staying present.”
Now that the finals have passed, he enjoys celebrating the achievement with his family and friends.
Daignault often calls the Thunder “uncommon,” a term Williams fully embraces. He attributes it to the team’s youth, relentless energy, strong character, and camaraderie—qualities that are rare in the league. Williams highlighted the balance of the team’s vibrant personality with its competitiveness, saying,
“We’re the youngest team. That’s an uncommon thing. We’re the hardest playing team. That’s an uncommon thing. We all have good character guys, which is uncommon.”
Navigating Team Dynamics as One of the Veterans
At 30 years old, Williams is one of the oldest players on a Thunder roster averaging 25.6 years this season. He shared how playing with younger teammates keeps the atmosphere lively and dynamic. Despite generational differences, Williams appreciates the humor and energy they bring, while noting their ability to switch seamlessly from lighthearted moments to serious focus during games and shootarounds.
His leadership earned recognition from Coach Daignault during the Finals. Williams credits his ability to gain trust among younger players to his experience navigating the ups and downs of an NBA career over nearly eight seasons.
“Everything that those guys have been through, I’ve pretty much been through,”
he said, emphasizing his role in guiding teammates through challenges such as trades, contracts, and fluctuating playtime.
Teammate Spotlight: Shai Gilgeous Alexander’s Impact on and off the Court
Williams praised teammate Shai Gilgeous Alexander (SGA) for his exceptional work ethic and humility, qualities that contribute to his MVP caliber performance. Comparisons were drawn to former TCU player Desmond Bane, highlighting SGA’s dedication to extra practice sessions. Off the court, Williams described SGA as “probably the most humble guy” he’s known with such stature, saying,
“He’s humble, like to where he’ll give his shirt off his back.”
Williams believes SGA’s character positively influences the entire team.
Early NBA Challenges and Turning Points
Williams admitted that his first two years in the NBA, spent with New Orleans after going undrafted in 2018, were difficult as he adjusted to the professional lifestyle, travel demands, and confidence plateaus. He confessed,
“Those first two years were definitely learning experiences for myself.”
The turning point came after being traded to the Thunder in 2020 when he began to fully understand what it means to be a professional basketball player. He expressed gratitude for those foundational years that helped shape his current success.
Legacy at TCU: Paving the Way for Future Success
Williams reflected on his time at TCU and the lasting impact of the Horned Frogs’ 2017 NIT championship, which helped elevate the program’s stature and led to multiple NCAA tournament appearances in subsequent years. During his jersey retirement ceremony, Williams felt a deep sense of accomplishment and pride, stating,
“I really feel like a pioneer for TCU basketball and the growth that it’s made over the years.”
He credited his teammates, coach Jamie Dixon, and the entire coaching staff for supporting his development and for helping to change the narrative around TCU basketball.
Words of Encouragement for Aspiring TCU Players
When asked about advice for players aiming to reach the NBA, Williams emphasized the need for relentless hard work beyond scheduled practice. He urged,
“You gotta come here after practice. You gotta come here before practice, put the work in.”
Beyond physical effort, he highlighted faith and self-belief as critical components of success, adding,
“Have faith, trust in God, and believe in yourself. You have a 70-80% advantage over everybody else if you truly believe in what you can bring to the table.”
Fatherhood’s Influence on Williams’ Perspective and Priorities
Williams described how becoming a husband and father to three daughters has shifted his outlook on life and basketball. He said fatherhood helped him focus on what truly matters, recognizing basketball as temporary compared to the lasting significance of family. He shared the joy of returning home late from games to be greeted by his children, explaining that these moments bring peace and clarity about his purpose:
“Being a dad is more important than the game of basketball.”