Stanford Basketball used to be one of the premier programs in California. Could landing five-star forward Ziaire Williams help them get back to the top?
In the heart of the Silicone Valley, lies Palo Alto, California. The city is a mecca for computer and technology companies, many of them are extremely successful. To go along with the fortune 500 companies, Palo Alto is home to Stanford University. The Stanford Basketball program was one of the best programs in the country and the best program in the state of California at one time.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Cardinal when led by the Lopez twins had the best program in California. They were, however, only able to make it to one final four in that span. Since that point, the Cardinal have been a middling team trying to find the right recipe for success. Coach Jerod Haase enters his fourth year at the helm and has done a great job infusing the program with talent. The talent has not yet turned the corner, but Haase has the right recipe for success in Palo Alto.
Haase may finally get his prized recruit, a player who could change the fortunes of the Cardinal overnight. That player is Ziaire Williams, a class of 2020 small forward who attends high school in LA. The high school senior attends Sierra Canyon. Previously it was mentioned that Sierra Canyon may be the best high school team ever. Williams has yet to make a choice for his school but according to 247 Sports and their crystal ball predictions, it’s between Stanford and North Carolina for the forward’s services. Many close to the situation believe Williams could very well stay close to home to play for the Cardinal. What would his commitment mean for the Stanford program?