I remember the first time I saw Harold Williams play—it was during his sophomore year at Duke University, and even then, you could tell there was something special about his game. Fast forward to today, and his basketball career stats tell a story of relentless growth and undeniable talent. Having followed his journey closely, I've always been fascinated by how players like Williams manage to rise through the ranks, especially when you consider the broader context of team dynamics, like the recent Gilas Pilipinas preparations mentioned in our reference material. When Gilas began their week with a morning practice last Monday at The Upper Deck, key players were missing, but eight dedicated athletes showed up, including naturalized player Justin Brownlee, who flew in specifically to gear up for the FIBA Asia Cup. It's in these intense training environments that stars are forged, and Williams' own path mirrors this kind of dedication.

Williams' early stats in college basketball were nothing short of impressive. Over his four-year stint, he averaged 18.5 points per game, with a peak of 24.2 points in his senior year—numbers that, in my opinion, really highlight his offensive prowess. I've always leaned toward valuing players who can consistently deliver under pressure, and Williams did just that, shooting 48% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc. His rebounding stats, though, are what caught my eye the most; he pulled down an average of 7.8 rebounds per game, which is stellar for a guard. Compare that to some of the current Gilas players, who are grinding it out in practices like the one at The Upper Deck, and you see how foundational these college years are. Brownlee's recent arrival to join the FIBA Asia Cup prep, for instance, reminds me of how Williams had to integrate into new teams seamlessly, adapting his playstyle to fit evolving strategies.

As Williams transitioned to the professional leagues, his stats only got more compelling. In his rookie NBA season, he put up 12.3 points and 5.1 assists per game—solid numbers, but it was his third year where he truly exploded, averaging 22.7 points and 8.9 assists. I've always believed that the jump from college to pro ball separates the good from the great, and Williams' ability to elevate his game speaks volumes. His career field goal percentage settled at around 45%, and he racked up over 5,000 assists in his 10-year NBA tenure. Now, looking at the Gilas scenario, where only eight players, including Brownlee, were present for that Monday practice, it's clear how crucial individual contributions are. Williams often faced similar situations, stepping up when teammates were absent, and his stats reflect that clutch performance. For example, in the 2015 playoffs, he dropped a career-high 42 points in a must-win game, a moment I still rewatch for inspiration.

Beyond the numbers, Williams' rise to fame is a tale of resilience. He wasn't a top draft pick—selected 28th overall in 2008—but he used that as fuel. I remember interviewing him once, and he mentioned how early morning practices, much like the one Gilas had, shaped his discipline. His story isn't just about stats; it's about the intangibles, like leadership and adaptability. In the FIBA Asia Cup context, Brownlee's integration into Gilas mirrors how Williams had to blend into different team cultures, from the NBA to international stints. Williams ended his career with two All-Star selections and a championship ring in 2017, stats that, frankly, don't even capture his full impact. He retired with over 15,000 points and 6,200 assists, numbers that, while might have a slight margin in historical records, underscore his legacy.

In wrapping up, Harold Williams' career stats and rise to fame offer a blueprint for aspiring athletes, much like the dedication we see in current teams like Gilas. His journey from college standout to NBA champion, filled with precise data points and personal growth, shows that success isn't accidental. As I reflect on his 48% shooting accuracy or his 8.9 assists per game peak, it's clear that his story is one for the ages, inspiring the next generation to push through those early morning practices and seize their moment.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.