Williams twins use family ties to propel them into their sophomore years
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (BVM) – When playing sports as a kid, family members, especially siblings, would almost always be there teammates. With those close bonds, it would be easy to make big plays because of the chemistry you would share. Now just imagine what that would be like with your twin?
Well, for the twin sisters Lanyce and Lanetta Williams, this has been their reality since the fifth grade. The Memphis natives have spent so much time on the court with one another that it has helped them to know each other’s play styles inside and out. That is why, when it came time to decide on a college, having the chance to play together was a requirement.
“College can get hard fast,” Lanyce said. “We’ve been together all our lives, helping each other out through the ups and downs. It was definitely something that we wanted to continue for college.”
“It’s like playing with your best friend,” Lanetta said. “When you grow up playing someone all your life you know exactly what they like. So, playing with someone like that you know that well makes both of you more comfortable.”
So, when the duo began getting calls from college recruiters, they made sure to let them know that it would either be both of them or neither of them. Though schools like Georgia and Ole Miss were among their list of finalists, the University of Memphis came away with their commitment.
Tigers’ assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Jessica Bogia was in charge of recruiting the twins. She had come to know them while they were in eighth grade and was encouraged that they would make the decision to play for their hometown.
“They were the next generation of Memphis talent,” Bogia said. “It became about developing a four year relationship. I could never go out of my way to make calls to them, so they would have to call me, come to games and make those efforts. By them making those efforts, it made it a lot easier to build those relationships because it showed that they were interested in us.”
The pair eventually committed to the Tigers on August 30, 2018. They joined a recruiting class that included guards Madison Griggs and Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu. This 2019 recruiting class is the highest ranked class of the Melissa McFerrin era and was ranked No. 1 in the American Athletic Conference.
Last season, neither twin had to redshirt, but did not get to see as much playing time as they would have liked. Lanyce was only able to play in five games in her inaugural season. She averaged 5.4 minutes, 0.6 points and 0.6 rebounds per game.
Lanetta got a bit more action, playing in 16 games and starting 11. However, the injury bug bit her too and cut her season short. She averaged 3.3 points per game, 3.2 rebounds and 1.06 blocks per game.
The duo took the injuries as learning opportunities rather than succumbing to adversity.
“It taught me to have to have patience,” Lanetta said. “I have to take my rehab seriously if I want to see the court.”
It is already hard enough to battle back from an injury, but to do so during a worldwide pandemic takes a lot more mental fortitude. Things are just made more difficult because the Williams twins do not know what to expect during this hectic time.
“Rehab has been quite interesting,” Lanyce said. “By now we would have already started the season. So, to not be playing makes you feel like something is missing.”
“It’s been difficult because I’m excited to play,” Lanetta said. “But we have to take more precautions because of COVID.”
COVID-19 has affected all college basketball players, in fact, Memphis knows that their season will start Nov. 25, but not who they will be going up against. Still, this extra time has been a period of growth for the twins, especially now that they can boast some college experience.
“I had to mature after my injury,” Lanetta said. “This season is important because as a sophomore, I have a lot to learn and things that I have to keep improving on.”
So, will this be the year that they prove to be the “new generation” that coach Bogia talked about? Well, Memphis fans will not know until they can take the court, but the two know enough about each other to know what it will take.
“Lanyce communicates very well on the court,” Lanetta said. “She has taught me to be patient and to allow things to come to me rather than forcing it.”
“Lanetta is truly motivating and inspiring to watch,” Lanyce said. “She does not let a bad play stop her from going down the court and blocking a shot off the backboard.”
Fans will see just how well their chemistry has progressed this season now that they are finally both healthy. If they can produce, they may be just what the Tigers need to get over the hump and make their way to the NCAA tournament this season.
