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.
@GrWill2 Respect fam. All I can say.
— Jarrett Guarantano✞ (@BroadwayJay2) January 24, 2019
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.
This dude @GrWill2 is a beastttttttt
— Josh Dobbs (@josh_dobbs1) January 24, 2019
Again… @GrWill2 is a beasttttttt. AND 1!
— Josh Dobbs (@josh_dobbs1) January 24, 2019
Former Vol basketball player Jordan McRae acknowledged that Williams is just “different” on the court.
Aye @GrWill2 is different.
— Jordan McRae (@JordyMac52) January 24, 2019
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.
Said it before, that #2 gonna be in the rafters in Thompson Boling Arena…
— Dane Bradshaw (@DaneBradshaw) January 24, 2019
Former Vol wide receiver and current Knoxville radio host Jayson Swain called Williams’ performance “legendary.”
#Vandy played their asses off. Much props. Grant Williams is special. Big time players make big time plays in big time games. All time great performance. Legendary! #Vols ?
— Jayson Swain (@SwainEvent) January 24, 2019
Famous ESPN college basketball analyst and personality Dick Vitale called Williams’ night “gold” and praised his perfection from the free throw line.
Unreal @GrWill2 GRANT WILLIAMS a solid GOLD PTPer prime time player the reason @Vol_Hoops win 13th straight has 43 but what about going 23-23 on Free throw line / everyone was a MUST !@ByMikeWilson
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) January 24, 2019
Jeff Goodman of WatchStadium.com said Williams has his vote for Player of the Year in college basketball.
Grant Williams — 43 points tonight and 23-of-23 from the line. He gets my vote today as National Player of the Year. https://t.co/eXLEqhOvB7
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) January 24, 2019
Aaron Torres of FOX Sports and The Athletic also gave Williams a lot of pub for Player of the Year.
Unrelated: If Grant Williams hasn’t already sprung towards the top of every National Player of the Year conversation, I don’t know what the guy has to do. He’s the reigining SEC Player of the Year and his stats are up across the board. Dude has been an absolute STUD this season
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) January 24, 2019
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.
I’m older than you and also saw Bernard King, Dale Ellis, Ernie Grunfeld and Tony White, but Grant is playing his way into that class. https://t.co/2hXWGHGceu
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) January 24, 2019
