PistonsNation.com recently had the honor of doing a short interview with one of the Detroit Pistons’ new editions Will “The Thrill” Bynum.

Will, a 6-foot, 185-pound guard, caught the eye of the Pistons’ brass with his impressive showing at the Las Vegas Summer League averaging 11.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists.  Bynum is known for his fearless drives to the basket and harassing on-ball defense.  The Pistons will look to utilize Bynum off the bench as a change of pace guy who can pressure ball handlers.

Bynum, a Chicago area hoops legend, started his collegiate career at the University of Arizona.  Will transferred to Georgia Tech during his sophomore season. Will, teaming with Jarrett Jack, helped the Yellow Jacket to the ‘04 Final Four.

Brynum went undrafted, but signed with the the Boston Celtics in August ‘05, and was waived in October.

Will then was drafted by the Roanoke Dazzle with the 5th overall pick in the 2005 NBDL draft.  Will led the Developmental League in scoring for nearly the entire season and was named the Rookie of the Year.  Will got a call up during the season to the NBA with the Golden State Warriors where he played 15 games.

Will then signed overseas with Israeli powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv in September of ‘06.  Will played two years in Israel averaging 10.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game while helping Maccabi win the 2006-07 Israeli National Championship

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[PN] After a pretty good college career with George Tech you kinda bounced around a little bit, how good did it feel to sign that guaranteed contract with the Pistons?
–-(Will signed a two-year deal, The first year is guaranteed, and the second year is a team option)

[WB] I really don’t consider it “bouncing around” at all. I was on high level teams where I learned a lot which gave me the opportunity to mature as a person as well as a player. The paths of my career is one that I think can be an inspiration to a lot of young people who have to go different routes to achieve their goals in life. Never be discouraged and never give up.

As far as signing that guaranteed contract….it feels really good to know that all my hard work has paid off.

[PN] What are you most excited about going into the season?

[WB] I am excited about having the opportunity to play a full season in the NBA on a team with such great players.

[PN] Detroit has four dynamic guards in Billups, Hamilton, Stuckey & Arron Afflalo. What does Will Bynum bring to the table.

[WB] I will bring lots of energy, defense and the ability to get into the paint, break down the defense and make plays.

[PN] Growing up in Chicago were you a Bulls fan? Did you hate the Bad Boys?

[WB] To be honest I was a Pistons fan and in our household that almost always brought about many arguments..lol..growing up I never considered myself to be a tall player, so I tended to go for the team that related to my situation and Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars in my opinion were guards who dominated the game.

[PN] Like another Chi hoops legend Isiah Thomas there’s some skepticism about your height. Are you a legit 6′?

[WB] I play above 6 feet.

[PN] You were named the NDBL Rookie of The Year in 2005-06 season playing with the Roanoke Dazzle where you led the league in scoring at 24 ppg. You then went overseas and played with Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv for a couple of seasons. Compare the experiences of the two leagues.

[WB] Well in the D-League I got to show my abilities by having the opportunity to play a lot and being on the court. That strengthened my endurance, confidence and stamina. While at Maccabi I learned to play the game of basketball on a different level. I became more skilled about the game.

[PN] While overseas how much did you keep tabs with the NBA? How much did you use the internet for staying in touch?

[WB] I kept in touch with the NBA the entire time. Didn’t miss a game. They have cable over there and my tivo was on ALL the time.

[PN] Some jersey numbers you’ve worn throughout your career include: 3,4, & 11. None of which are available to you as a Piston. Any thoughts on your jersey number here in Detroit?

[WB] Yes. I chose the number 12. The reason being is because it was the first number I wore when I first started playing basketball when I was about 6 or 7 years old, I played for the Small Fry back in Chicago under coach Hampton who I have much love and respect for to this day.

(Side note: That’s also the jersey number Coach Michael Curry wore while playing with the Pistons.  It’s fitting as Michael Curry, who was familiar with Will from his time as the Vice President of Player Development for the NBA Development League, had a lot to do with Will getting the call for the Pistons summer league team.)

[PN] You hit a very dramatic gaming winning shot against Oklahoma State to send your Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets into the ‘04 Final Four. Where does that shot rank in your career moments?

[WB] I’d have to say one of my best. I have hit a lot of game winning shots and had a lot of big moments including many at Maccabi.

[PN] Thanks for taking the time.

[WB] Thanks for the opportunity to do this.. I really appreciate the support. It means a lot to me.