ISU’s Williams ending playing career due to knee problems

Posted on May 4, 2018
Madison Williams was named the Redbirds’ Defensive Player of the Year for the 2017-18 season. (Photo courtesy GoRedbirds.com)

By Greg Halbleib

NORMAL – Junior guard Madison Williams is ending his basketball career with Illinois State due to chronic issues with his kneecap.

The Augusta, Georgia native played in 31 games last season, starting 29, missing two games with a knee injury. He averaged 5.3 points per game and 2.5 rebounds, while grabbing 33 steals. He was named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year at the post-season banquet.

“On one hand I am really disappointed for Madison and on the other hand I am grateful that Madison will continue to be a part of the Illinois State family while staying on scholarship,” Redbird coach Dan Muller said in a release. “I am sure most don’t understand how much pain Madison had to fight through this year and how tough the grind of the season was on his knee. After the season, with the help of John Munn and Doctor Rob Seidl, Madison had to make a really tough decision. While I know how difficult it was for Madison to come to this conclusion, I completely respect and support that decision.”

Williams will stay on scholarship at Illinois State with the medical exemption. He is on pace to graduate in 2020.

Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].

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