Benny Williams Dismissed From Syracuse Basketball Team

Syracuse basketball announced on Tuesday that forward Benny Williams has been dismissed from the team. Williams appeared in 18 games this season without a start. He averaged 5.4 points and 3.9 rebounds in 17 minutes of action per game. Williams was shooting 40% from the floor overall, 20.6% from three point range and 53.8% from the foul line. 

"Benny Williams has been dismissed from the Syracuse men's basketball team," the program said in a statement. "Everyone involved with the program wishes Benny the best." 

Williams came to Syracuse as a high profile, highly regarded recruit. He showed flashes as a true freshman before starting 24 games as a sophomore. A significant developmental leap was expected entering his junior season, but he was suspended before the second exhibition game which continued to the start of the season. 

Once Williams rejoined the team, his play was up and down. He received a technical against Wake Forest on Saturday after getting frustrated with a call. Williams threw the ball towards the baseline, away from any official, which led to the technical. 

Overall, in his Syracuse career, Benny started 24 games and appeared in 77. He averaged 4.8 points, 3.1 rebounds. 0.7 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.4 blocks in 16.7 minutes per game. 

Out of high school, Williams was rated a four start recruit by 247Sports, ESPN and On3. Rivals rated him a five star prospect.