Media, Former Players React to Grant Williams’ Monster Night

(Photo via Tennessee Athletics)

Tennessee junior forward Grant Williams had a career night and set several school records in No. 1 Tennessee’s 88-83 win over Vanderbilt in overtime on Wednesday night. And the college basketball world (and beyond) took notice.

Williams scored a career-high 43 points against Vanderbilt on Wednesday night, and he single-handedly kept Tennessee alive and helped spur them on to victory over the Commodores. The Vols needed every bit of his record-setting game, too.

Williams was a perfect 23-of-23 from the free throw line in the game. He set school records for most free throws made in a game and most consecutive free throws made in a game. He tied the school record for most free throws attempted in a game as well. His 43 points were the most scored by a Vol since Allan Houston dropped 43 points on LSU on February 10th, 1990. He became only the 10th different Vol to score 40 or more points in a game in school history.

In the second half and overtime, the Vols scored 50 combined points. Grant Williams scored 35 of those points.

Williams by himself had 43 of Tennessee’s 88 points. The other eight players who played for the Vols in the game scored a combined 45 points.

Some current Vols, several former Vols, and a lot of media members all reacted to Williams’ monster performance against Vanderbilt on Wednesday night.

Current Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano showed Williams some “respect” for his big game.

Former Vol quarterback and current Pittsburgh Steelers QB Josh Dobbs was impressed with Williams’ ability to get and-ones all night. He called Williams a “beast” multiple times.

Former Vol basketball player Jordan McRae acknowledged that Williams is just “different” on the court.

Former Vol basketball player and current SEC Network analyst Dane Bradshaw believes Williams’ number will be hanging in the rafters of Thompson-Boling Arena one day after watching that performance.

Former Vol wide receiver and current Knoxville radio host Jayson Swain called Williams’ performance “legendary.”

Famous ESPN college basketball analyst and personality Dick Vitale called Williams’ night “gold” and praised his perfection from the free throw line.

Jeff Goodman of WatchStadium.com said Williams has his vote for Player of the Year in college basketball.

Aaron Torres of FOX Sports and The Athletic also gave Williams a lot of pub for Player of the Year.

ESPN’s Chris Low says he’s seen other Vol greats such as Bernard King, Tony White, Dale Ellis, and Ernie Grunfeld play, and Grant Williams is working his way into the conversation with them as one of the best Vols ever.

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