Fresno State Athletics
Photo by: Keith Kountz
Philosophy key to Williams’ rise
7/29/2019 10:30:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Fresno State rising fifth-year senior guard New Williams (right) takes great pride in his craft and developing every day – on and off the basketball floor.
FRESNO, Calif. --- For New Williams, there's an extra sense of purpose with every opportunity.
"Thinking in a box—thinking linear—is not really conducive to somebody who wants to actually do something and wants to make something happen in their life," Williams said. "You have to be a multidimensional thinker. You have to think in stereo, some would say. There have to be multiple layers to the way you think."
At Fresno State, Williams is a rising fifth-year senior guard and majoring in philosophy with an option in religious studies. Yet, he has been using these core principles throughout his life. Williams has drawn inspiration from the book Dynamic Thought, by Henry Hamblin, and many other thought-provoking stories in his journey so far.
Each step of the way, the focus has been on his own response.
"It's your reaction to each specific situation that gives it the title 'good' or 'bad,' but those things are perceptive – they aren't concrete," Williams said. "So I've used that philosophy throughout my entire journey. Everything that I've been through, everything that I've seen, I always go back to that philosophy right there."
Williams, who was a McDonald's All-America nominee out of Santa Monica High School, began his college career at Auburn. He played in 21 games for the Tigers in limited playing time – primarily due to multiple knee injuries – as a freshman during the 2015-16 season.
He then transferred to Fresno State midway through his sophomore season, and had to take his game to a higher level to earn a spot in the Bulldogs' rotation. To do so, Williams spent productive hours in the gym improving his shooting to be a more consistent offensive threat, especially leading into this past campaign.
Williams taking pride elevating his defense
Williams played in all 32 games (8.2 points/3.2 rebounds/1.0 assists per game in 2018-19) for the 'Dogs last season as a redshirt junior shooting guard with some big offensive efforts, especially an important 24-point output on Jan. 30 at Wyoming to lead Fresno State to one of its conference co-leading seven league road wins.
But it was moments when his defensive performance shined that made even more of an impact, like when Williams came up with the eventual game-winning steal and dunk in the final minute of another one of those MW road wins at San Diego State on March 6.
"We play hard and have grit," Williams said. "Who can get that loose ball? Who's going to dive on the floor? Who's going put their heart out on that floor every single time we go out? And I think that's us. The one thing I would say I love the most is winning."
During Williams' time at Fresno State since 2017, the Bulldogs have won the second-most MW games (35).
Last season, Fresno State won 23 games overall (fourth consecutive 20-win season) and ranked in the top 10 in the nation in 3-point offense and defense, along with leading the league in steals and forcing turnovers.
And even with dialing up his defensive work, Williams is adding more weapons to his offensive arsenal, especially when it comes to reading defenses and improving his efficiency on open and contested looks with game speed, quickness and elevation.
"If you can develop a philosophy that fits what you're doing, you will be great at it," Williams said. "If you can develop a plan of action, not really something that's concrete, but more conceptual, if you can develop something that's new, something that's different, that philosophy will carry you through whatever line of work that you're doing. I take pride in my craft and developing every single day."
Roster, schedule update
The Bulldogs' 2019-20 complete roster and schedule are still being finalized. Fresno State will open MW play against UNLV on Dec. 4 at home at the Save Mart Center.
2019-20 Fresno State men's basketball season tickets are on sale now by calling 559-278-3647, visiting the Bulldog Ticket Office and online at www.GoBulldogs.com.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.
"Thinking in a box—thinking linear—is not really conducive to somebody who wants to actually do something and wants to make something happen in their life," Williams said. "You have to be a multidimensional thinker. You have to think in stereo, some would say. There have to be multiple layers to the way you think."
At Fresno State, Williams is a rising fifth-year senior guard and majoring in philosophy with an option in religious studies. Yet, he has been using these core principles throughout his life. Williams has drawn inspiration from the book Dynamic Thought, by Henry Hamblin, and many other thought-provoking stories in his journey so far.
Each step of the way, the focus has been on his own response.
"It's your reaction to each specific situation that gives it the title 'good' or 'bad,' but those things are perceptive – they aren't concrete," Williams said. "So I've used that philosophy throughout my entire journey. Everything that I've been through, everything that I've seen, I always go back to that philosophy right there."
Williams, who was a McDonald's All-America nominee out of Santa Monica High School, began his college career at Auburn. He played in 21 games for the Tigers in limited playing time – primarily due to multiple knee injuries – as a freshman during the 2015-16 season.
He then transferred to Fresno State midway through his sophomore season, and had to take his game to a higher level to earn a spot in the Bulldogs' rotation. To do so, Williams spent productive hours in the gym improving his shooting to be a more consistent offensive threat, especially leading into this past campaign.
Williams taking pride elevating his defense
Williams played in all 32 games (8.2 points/3.2 rebounds/1.0 assists per game in 2018-19) for the 'Dogs last season as a redshirt junior shooting guard with some big offensive efforts, especially an important 24-point output on Jan. 30 at Wyoming to lead Fresno State to one of its conference co-leading seven league road wins.
But it was moments when his defensive performance shined that made even more of an impact, like when Williams came up with the eventual game-winning steal and dunk in the final minute of another one of those MW road wins at San Diego State on March 6.
"We play hard and have grit," Williams said. "Who can get that loose ball? Who's going to dive on the floor? Who's going put their heart out on that floor every single time we go out? And I think that's us. The one thing I would say I love the most is winning."
During Williams' time at Fresno State since 2017, the Bulldogs have won the second-most MW games (35).
Last season, Fresno State won 23 games overall (fourth consecutive 20-win season) and ranked in the top 10 in the nation in 3-point offense and defense, along with leading the league in steals and forcing turnovers.
And even with dialing up his defensive work, Williams is adding more weapons to his offensive arsenal, especially when it comes to reading defenses and improving his efficiency on open and contested looks with game speed, quickness and elevation.
"If you can develop a philosophy that fits what you're doing, you will be great at it," Williams said. "If you can develop a plan of action, not really something that's concrete, but more conceptual, if you can develop something that's new, something that's different, that philosophy will carry you through whatever line of work that you're doing. I take pride in my craft and developing every single day."
Roster, schedule update
The Bulldogs' 2019-20 complete roster and schedule are still being finalized. Fresno State will open MW play against UNLV on Dec. 4 at home at the Save Mart Center.
2019-20 Fresno State men's basketball season tickets are on sale now by calling 559-278-3647, visiting the Bulldog Ticket Office and online at www.GoBulldogs.com.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.
Players Mentioned
G
/ Men's Basketball2025-26 MBB Season Recap
Wednesday, March 18
MBB Pregame Interview: 2026 Mountain West Tournament
Wednesday, March 11
Return to Selland: Press Conference
Friday, October 17
MBB: Highlight vs. San Diego [12/14/24]
Tuesday, December 17