DEREK WILLIAMS/COLLIN MANGRUM: Chasing a dream

Post by **PonyPride** » Sat Nov 19, 2011 5:17 am

Their college careers are done, but former SMU guards Derek Williams and Collin Mangrum are not ready to give up basketball just yet. The two are among a group of players hoping to play professionally in the NBA Development League by trying out with the Texas Legends. Williams and Mangrum visited with PonyFans.com to discuss how they got to the Frisco-based club and what their futures might hold.

Enjoy!

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Chasing a dream

Dutch · Post by **Dutch** » Sat Nov 19, 2011 9:50 am

Go ponies

Pony4Life · Post by **Pony4Life** » Sat Nov 19, 2011 12:39 pm

Thanks for profiling two of my favorite Mustangs. It's no surprise that they're still going after their dreams.

When Williams got to SMU, I thought he was too little to survive the rigors of college ball. By the time he finished his senior season, he led us in just about every statistical category, didn't he (with the possible exceptions of rebounds or blocks). He did EVERYTHING for us by just outworking everyone else. Last year, Mangrum couldn't get off the bench at the beginning of the year. By the end of the season, we couldn't afford to get him off the floor.

If there are two guys out there who seem to understand hard work and persistence, it's these to. Good luck, guys, whether it's in the D League or overseas.

2ndandlong · Post by **2ndandlong** » Sat Nov 19, 2011 1:57 pm

Go Mustangs! Love to hear Del Harris has a job too!

indianmustang · Post by **indianmustang** » Sat Nov 19, 2011 2:16 pm

go ponies

Big Easy Pony · Post by **Big Easy Pony** » Sun Nov 20, 2011 2:57 am

Good luck to Collin and Derek, and thanks for everything you gave to SMU during your years on the Hilltop.

mavsrage311 · Post by **mavsrage311** » Mon Nov 21, 2011 12:28 am

Pony4Life wrote:Thanks for profiling two of my favorite Mustangs. It's no surprise that they're still going after their dreams.

When Williams got to SMU, I thought he was too little to survive the rigors of college ball. By the time he finished his senior season, he led us in just about every statistical category, didn't he (with the possible exceptions of rebounds or blocks). He did EVERYTHING for us by just outworking everyone else. Last year, Mangrum couldn't get off the bench at the beginning of the year. By the end of the season, we couldn't afford to get him off the floor.

If there are two guys out there who seem to understand hard work and persistence, it's these to. Good luck, guys, whether it's in the D League or overseas.

Well said. I hope both make the team. It'd be nice to see them play for the legends

danicapony · Post by **danicapony** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 3:40 am

Go Pooooooonies!

mavsrage311 · Post by **mavsrage311** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 12:52 pm

I just checked the Legends roster today. Derek Williams is on it and played 9 minutes in their first game. Mangrum is not on the roster