"I learned a lot from him": UCLA's big man Devin Williams credits HC Mick Cronin while awaiting sophomore debut

After a slow freshman season that saw him play just 3.3 minutes on average in 10 games, Devin Williams is back in UCLA for his second year. The Bruins' roster has undergone big changes this offseason and Williams could have a bigger role next year.

In the 2023-24 season, Devin Williams averaged 1.4 points, 0.7 rebounds and 0.1 blocks while shooting 5-for-8 from the floor. Looking back at his first year under coach Mick Cronin, Williams said (via Clutch points):

“I learned a lot for sure. Being around Mick Cronin, who is one of the best coaches ever, I learned a lot on the floor, off the floor, how to be a better professional." Williams said. " I learned a lot from him and I'm excited to get it going for my sophomore year and see where it can take me.”

"The key is never being too down on yourself. You never know when there's going to be an opportunity and there's no such thing as garbage minutes because you can really use that to your advantage." he continued. "You just stay through it, stay through the pace, stay the course and it will all click at the end of the day.”

The UCLA Bruins lost Adem Bona to the NBA Draft. In addition to this, Berke Buyuktuncel, Jan Vide, Ilane Fibleuil and Will McClendon entered the transfer portal. Kobe Johnson, Eric Dailey, Tyler Bilodeau, William Kyle III, Skyy Clark and Dominick Harris have joined the team as transfer signees.

---

Devin Williams shares his take on being a good teammate

While the restricted minutes could have brought down the morale of any player, Devin Williams used it as an opportunity to learn. The former four-star recruit revealed in an interview with the Los Angeles Daily News from January his approach to the entire situation.

“First of all, the main thing was being the best teammate,” Williams said. “Clapping every time. Standing up, cheering on my teammates but seeing it, being able to watch and be like, ‘OK, I can be in this position, that position or I see Adem or whoever Berke do this, do that.’"

"Just honestly taking notes in my head and asking questions to Coach and being able to hopefully apply it onto the floor and help the team.”

Williams' patience and hard work could be rewarded in coach Mick Cronin's new plans with the latest roster. The Bruins have not had a fruitful postseason in many years and they will be hoping to change that in the upcoming season.

What do you think of Devin Williams and his role in the team? Let us know in the comment section below.