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Phil Martelli shares how Michigan can help Terrance Williams reach potential

On3-Social-Profile_GRAYby:On3 Staff Report•01/20/23
Terrance Williams, Michigan Wolverines forward
Michigan forward Terrance Williams dribbles past a defender in a game on Nov. 10, 2021. (Icon Sportswire / Getty Images)

Michigan has had an up-and-down season so far, fighting and clawing at this point to win enough games to reach the NCAA Tournament after a very challenging non-conference slate. If 6-foot-7 junior forward Terrance Williams can reach his potential the Wolverines will be in much better shape.

Williams hasn’t had a breakout performance yet, but there are signs he’s close. He finished just one point shy of a double-double Thursday night against Maryland, tallying nine points and 13 rebounds.

But he just hasn’t quite been the guy many know he can be. How can Michigan unlock Terrance Williams’ full potential?

“Obviously you start by hugging him and talking to him. He’s so cerebral,” associate head coach Phil Martelli said. “Keep him up that we believe in him. And it’s interesting because his teammates I know will address that. He’s impacted winning the whole time.”

That was the theme from Martelli when asked about him last week, before that strong showing in a 64-56 loss to Maryland. So is the message working?

If Terrance Williams can reach his potential, watch out

There’s little doubt Williams at full bore can be a problem. He was highly instrumental in wins over Ohio State and Tennessee a year ago.

In fact, those might have been glimpses of Terrance Williams at full potential.

“If it’s paint pictures from Ohio State or Tennessee from last year then go ahead and do it, but we have to maintain confidence in him and encourage him to maintain that confidence in himself,” Martelli told reporters. “You just want good things for really good people.”

The Wolverines will keep pushing Williams on that front.

“He’s quiet. I just have a special interest,” Martelli said. “I think there are times when he doesn’t have his pop. So if he can just be T-Will, that’s what we want. Doesn’t have to be more than that.”

Michigan will return to action on Sunday with a 12 p.m. ET tip against Minnesota at home, with a broadcast slated for the Big Ten Network.