Impact Williams will miss his sixth consecutive game due to this back injury. His timeline for return has not been announced, but he will have a full week to rest up before the team's next game.
JANUARY 26, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Ruled out Thursday Williams (back) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against East Carolina, Jason Munz of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Out again Sunday Williams (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against Tulsa, Jason Munz of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Impact Williams will miss his fifth straight game while dealing with a back issue. His next opportunity to suit up will be Thursday against East Carolina.
JANUARY 23, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Officially ruled out Williams (back) will miss Thursday's game against SMU, Jason Munz of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Impact Williams will skip out on his fourth straight contest while working his way back from a back issue. The fact that he was a game-time decision leading up to the contest bodes well for a chance to return in the relatively near future. His next opportunity to do so surfaces Sunday when the Tigers travel to face Tulsa.
JANUARY 20, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Unlikely to go Thursday Williams (back) is unlikely to play in Thursday's game against SMU, Jason Munz of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Impact Williams entered the court in sweats and not warming up with his teammates. This looks like it will be his fourth straight game missed due to a back injury. Memphis plays again on Sunday against Tulsa.
JANUARY 20, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Game-time call for SMU contest Williams (back) will be a game-time decision for Thursday's game against SMU, Jason Munz of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Impact Williams has been limited in practice due to a back injury that has cost him the last three games. The senior has been productive when healthy, averaging 11.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per contest this season.
JANUARY 19, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Labeled as day-to-day Coach Penny Hardaway said that Williams (back) is day-to-day, Jason Munz of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Impact Coach Hardaway added that Williams would be a game-time decision for Thursday's game against SMU. Williams has missed the last three games due to a back injury. The forward has put up 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per contest this season.
JANUARY 18, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Out again Saturday Williams (back) will miss Saturday's game against Eastern Carolina, Jason Munz of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Impact Williams is set to miss his third straight game after leaving the game against Tulsa on Jan. 4, with a back injury. The 6-foot-9 forward has started 11 games for Memphis, putting up 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.8 blocks on 23.4 minutes per game this season.
JANUARY 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Sitting out again Williams (back) will miss Wednesday's game against UCF,Jason Munz of the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Impact Williams is scheduled for a second consecutive absence due to his back issue, leaving the Tigers down a big piece again to face a 9-4 UCF squad. With him sidelined again, look for Josh Minott to make his third consecutive start for the Tigers and to play big minutes again Wednesday.
JANUARY 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Not ready to play Sunday Williams (back) won't be available for Sunday's game against Cincinnati, Jason Munz of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Impact Of the five Memphis players who was listed as a game-time call heading into the day, only Williams wasn't cleared to suit up. The 6-foot-9 senior will be sidelined for only the second time this season, opening a spot in the starting five for Josh Minott.
JANUARY 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Game-time decision Williams (back) is considered to be a game-time decision for this Sunday's game against conference rival Cincinnati Jason Munz of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Impact Williams will join the long list of questionable players for the Tigers (with a back injury suffered during Tuesday's win over Tulsa) that headlines Emoni Bates and Jalen Duren among others. The 6-foot-9 senior from Texas has started 11 games for the Tigers, averaging 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.8 blocks on 23.4 minutes per game this season. If Williams is unable to suit up Sunday, his next opportunity will be Wednesday at UCF.
JANUARY 7, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Leaves early with back issue Williams sat out the final few minutes of Tuesday's win against Tulsa due to a back injury, Steven Johnson of The Daily Memphian reports.
Impact Williams had nine points (4-7 FG, 1-3 3Pt), seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks to go along with five turnovers before being sidelined by the injury. He'll have a few days to rest up for Sunday's matchup with Cincinnati and should be considered questionable until his status is updated.
JANUARY 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Available against Wichita State Williams (COVID-19 protocols) is available for Saturday's game against Wichita State, Adam Zagoria of ZagsBlog.com reports.
Impact Williams was unavailable for Wednesday's loss to the Green Wave, but he participated in practice Friday. He averaged 13.3 points and 4.5 rebounds in 27.5 minutes per game across his four appearances prior to his absence, and he'll likely reclaim his starting role Saturday.
JANUARY 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Making trip Saturday Williams (COVID-19 protocols) will make the trip for Saturday's game against Wichita State, Jason Munz of the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Impact Williams sat out the previous contest while sitting in health and safety protocols but reportedly took part in at least a portion of practice Friday, which could position him to return after just one game on the sidelines. Williams is coming off his best effort to date in his last appearance, racking up 20 points, six assists, three steals and three rebounds over 32 minutes against Alabama. Clarification of his availability should surface ahead of the opening tip.
DECEMBER 31, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
The Commercial Appeal Following Wednesday's 85-84 loss at Tulane, naturally much of Penny Hardaway's conversations revolved around the absences of Jalen Duren, DeAndre Williams and Emoni Bates.
DECEMBER 30, 2021 • COMMERCIALAPPEAL.COM
Will not travel for Tulane game Williams (undisclosed) did not travel with the team for Wednesday's game against Tulane, Drew Hill of the Daily Memphian reports.
Impact Jalen Duren also did not travel in a move that appears to be COVID protocol related. We'll have to wait and see if either are cleared to go against Wichita State on Saturday. Williams is coming off a season-high 20 point, six assist, and three steal game against Alabama last time out.
DECEMBER 29, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Back in starting five Williams is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against Alabama, Jason Munz of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Impact Williams was inexplicably removed from the starting lineup last game despite starting in each of the first eight games. The 6-9 senior still played a season-high 26 minutes Friday despite coming off the bench and figures to maintain a high-usage role in his return to the starting group.
DECEMBER 14, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Not starting Friday Williams isn't starting Friday's game against Murray State, Steven Johnson of The Daily Memphian reports.
Impact Williams had started each of the first eight games of the season, and he scored in double figures in four of the last five contests. Tyler Harris will take his place in the starting lineup while Williams comes off the bench Friday.
DECEMBER 10, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Efficient despite less minutes Williams produced 16 points (6-10 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 10 rebounds and one steal in 25 minutes during Wednesday's 69-61 win over Virginia Tech.
Impact Williams is an Evansville transfer who decided to stick around this season with the Tigers despite a big new influx of talent via recruiting and the transfer market. He's managed to hang on to his starting spot despite several other suitors, and while the production has dropped off a bit, he's still posting 10. 6 points and 5.0 rebounds -- similar to last years numbers despite nearly eight fewer minutes per contest. At this point, the bigger threats to his playing time has been foul trouble and lopsided contests. The latter shouldn't be a major issue in the immediate future, however, as Memphis plays five of its next six non-conference games against power-conference opponents.
NOVEMBER 26, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Williams helps No. 9 Memphis outlast Virginia Tech 69-61
DeAndre Williams had 16 points and 10 rebounds, and No. 9 Memphis outlasted Virginia Tech 69-61 in the NIT Season Tip-OffNOVEMBER 25, 2021 • Associated Press
Productive in low-scoring game Williams started and had a team-high 13 points (4-8 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 5-8 FT) to go along with nine rebounds, three assists and three steals over 38 minutes in Monday's loss to Tulsa.
Impact Williams made his Memphis debut last week against Tulane but played only 16 minutes off the bench. He ended up more than doubling that as a starter Monday, due largely to freshman Moussa Cisse ending up in early foul trouble. Three starters ultimately ended up with four personals, paving the way for Williams to get plenty of run. Memphis is a deep and talented team, so this type of playing time won't always be guaranteed, but it's already clear Williams has an immediate and impactful role in this offense. He should be rostered in nearly all types of fantasy formats if he isn't already.
DECEMBER 22, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Will start Monday Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway said that Williams will be in the starting lineup for Monday's game against Tulsa, Jason Munz of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Impact After his status was in limbo to begin the season following his transfer from Evansville, Williams was granted immediate eligibility after the NCAA passed a waiver allowing all Division I transfers to compete right away at their new schools in 2020-21. Williams came off the bench in his debut Dec. 16 against Tulane and quickly made an impact, posting 10 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in 16 minutes. Expect him to see an uptick in playing time as he moves up to the top unit.
DECEMBER 20, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
10 points in debut Williams had 10 points (4-5 FG, 2-9 FT), six rebounds and two assists across 17 minutes off the bench in Wednesday's 90-74 victory over Tulane.
Impact Williams and the Tigers received some good news during the afternoon when all D-1 transfers were cleared to be immediately eligible at their new destinations. Coach Penny Hardaway wasted no timing getting Williams into the mix, as he was the second-leading reserve in terms of minutes and one of four Memphis players in double figures. The minutes came largely at the expense of Malcolm Dandridge, who was given the day off, but freshman center Moussa Cisse was also held to a season-low 15 minutes in the matchup. Look for Williams to continue expanding his role as one of the top players on a loaded Memphis roster.
DECEMBER 17, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Cleared for Wednesday debut Williams has been granted immediate eligibility from the D-1 Council and according to Jason Munz of The Memphis Commercial Appeal, he'll suit up Wednesday against New Orleans.
Impact A ruling was handed down Wednesday giving all NCAA transfers immediate eligibility, even if they have yet to go through the waiver process. This decision instantly benefits players like Williams, who needed were still in the process of submitting paperwork to the NCAA. Since programs may not have been able to count on this ruling, it's unclear if Williams is immediately part of the game plan Wednesday night. He does stand to serve as a key contributor, however, as the junior posted averages of 15.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists last season with Evansville.
DECEMBER 16, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Waiver status updated The NCAA has asked Memphis to resubmit the paperwork for William's 2020-21 eligibility request, according to Christian Fowler of 247 Sports.
Impact According to the report, this means that it will be roughly seven more days until an update of substance is provided on the Evansville transfer, leaving him presumably out for Tuesday's matchup against Mississippi Valley State. The Tigers are then scheduled for a matchup against Tulane on Dec.16, and if things move quickly -- as they rarely do with the NCAA -- it could represent a target return date. The expectation here is that Williams will definitely receive his waiver, it's just a matter of when. The NCAA advisory board has recently recommended allowing all transfers to play this season, plus Williams would even have a case in a more traditional year, considering his previous coach at Evansville was fired due to off-court conduct. Once eligible, Williams will no doubt be an impactful frontcourt presence, which could very well be the missing piece Penny Hardaway and co. need.
DECEMBER 7, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Still hoping for waiver Williams is still waiting to hear back from the NCAA in regard to a waiver that will make him eligible for the 2020-21 season, Jeff Goodman of WatchStadium.com reports.
Impact Williams tested the NBA Draft Waters back in the spring, but ultimately chose to transfer from Evansville to Memphis. Due to the current climate, it was thought that Williams would receive a waiver by now, but it remains unclear as to when Williams might receive his, if he does at all. The 6-9 forward put up 15.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per contest last season and would likely have a sizable role should he get clearance for the Tigers.
NOVEMBER 18, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
