Williams Throws Gauntlet at Bigs

After claiming the rebounding title in his first year down-under, Williams is laser-focused on defending his crown and unashamedly wants to be the undisputed ‘best big man in the league’.

“That’s something that I want everybody to say, [that I’m] a beast and the best one in this league. And so, I got to prove it,” Williams told Getting’ Saucy, Phoenix Media’s new podcast.

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Williams has featured against most of the revered centres in the league and knows toppling them will go a long way in him being titled as the best.

“Keanu Pinder over at Perth, he's an absolute beast, Aron Baynes in Brisbane is a legend too.”

“There's a bunch of guys out there that that can really fill it up and play well at the five position. I have my work cut out for me.

“But everything I'm doing now is, is in preparation to beat those guys.”

(Williams is looking to go back-to-back in leading the league in rebounds.)

One player Williams is yet to face is Jo Lual-Acuil Jnr, Melbourne United’s title-winning centre, and that’s a match-up he, and the league, hotly anticipate.

“He has a real menacing type of presence and that energy is always great to go against and compete against the best.

“Anytime we play against the other Melbourne team, it's always a lot of fun.

“The atmosphere is crazy. It feels like a real rivalry and I'm loving the chance go against Melbourne and especially JLA down there.”

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Both Lual-Acuil Jnr and Williams face periods on the sidelines to begin the NBL24 season, with their first encounter to be in one of the four Throwdowns this campaign.

Phoenix home opener is against the Perth Wildcats on October 1 at the Fire Pit. CLICK HERE to secure your seats.

>> Listen to the full first episode of Gettin' Saucy via Apple Podcast, Spotify and Soundcloud.