Illinois SF D.J. Williams returns to practice after taking temporary leave from team

Good news for John Groce and the Illinois Fighting Illini, as sophomore D.J. Williams returned to practice on Friday. The 6-foot-7 wing missed the team’s game against Michigan on Wednesday after he and Groce “mutually decided” that a temporary leave was in the best interest of both sides, causing speculation from media members and fans about a possible transfer. According to a team spokesman, Williams’ absence was due to “personal reasons.”

Williams, a former four-star prospect, is averaging 2.6 points and 1.1 rebounds per game in limited playing time this season (9.9 minutes per game).

Even better, Groce conveyed during a press conference that Williams will be available for Illinois’ next game on Saturday against the Maryland Terrapins. The coaches implemented a drastically different rotation in their latest victory, so perhaps there’s a chance Williams may be seeing more playing time going forward. Either way, it’s great to see that the Chicago native plans to remain with the Orange and Blue.