The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1252590
JUNE/JULY 2020 THE WOLVERINE 33 2 0 2 0 B A S K E T B A L L R E C R U I T I N G I S S U E on what U-M was all about. After his visit, he had seen everything he wanted to, and pledged to Howard and the Wolverines on New Year 's Day. Despite numerous prestigious ac- colades on the prep level — includ- ing two first-team All-Met mentions from The Washington Post and D.C.'s Gatorade Player of the Year honor as a senior — Williams is a team-first guy. The game of the nation's No. 23 small forward and No. 103 overall prospect, per Rivals.com, translates to a wing player in college. However, he played the center position in high school because that's what was best for his team, which he led to the D.C. State Athletic Association title this past season. Being undersized didn't stop Wil- liams from averaging 17.9 points and 9.9 rebounds per game as a se- nior, and scoring 2,154 points (15.1 per game) and pulling down 1,090 rebounds (7.6 a contest) in his prep career. Part of his experience as a high school center included battling with fellow U-M signee (and AAU team- mate) Hunter Dickinson when their teams would match up. Even though the 7-2 Dickinson has seven inches on him, Williams would still produce. "He's a big boy, and it's kind of hard playing against him, but I hold my own every single game," Wil- liams said. "We both compete. We both put up numbers — good, pro- ductive numbers." He believes his versatility and those experiences will help him mightily at the collegiate level. "I feel like I will come in at the next level and be a 'three and D' guy," Williams said. "Knock down threes and guard multiple positions, switch- ing onto guards and even fours and fives. I played against Hunter before, so I'm used to playing bigger oppo- nents. I've been playing against them every year. I can also switch onto guards and guard them. "That's where I think I'm going to bring my versatility, playing inside out, three-ball shooting and defen- sive intensity." Williams has all the tools to com- pete early in his career, and U-M's roster is thinner than it was expected to be. It's very likely he sees the floor quite a bit as a freshman, and his mindset is playing whatever role that is asked of him. "Coming in, I just want to help the team in any way I can," Williams said. "When we have our first prac- tice — whenever that is — I just want to see what role I'm going to have. "I know coming in, under Juwan, I feel like I can play and make a big impact my freshman year. I just want to do whatever it takes to win and help my team." For now, he's finishing up his se- nior year online due to the COVID-19 pandemic and training to get ready for college ball. But one thing is for sure — U-M is on his mind. "I'm definitely excited to get to Michigan," Williams said. "Ever since I committed, I've been ready to get up there and get ready for the college life, the workouts. "Michigan is a top school in the country. Hopefully I'll get my degree from there. I've been happy that I got the opportunity to go to Michigan, and I've been looking forward to it every single day." ❑ "I feel like I will come in at the next level and be a 'three and D' guy. Knock down threes and guard multiple positions, switching onto guards and even fours and fives." Williams Despite standing just 6-7, Williams played center at Gonzaga High due to a team need and helped his squad win the D.C. State Athletic Association title this past season while being named D.C.'s Gatorade Player of the Year. PHOTO BY NICK LUCERO/COURTESY RIVALS.COM