Big 12 Basketball: Texas, Kansas State, and OSU finalists for SG Donovan Williams
2020 prospect Donovan Williams will play in Big 12 Basketball next year. While exactly where is still unknown, Williams will announce his decision on April 13.
2020 Three plus-star recruit Donovan Williams is down to three Big 12 Basketball teams and is slated to announce h his decision on Monday, according to D. Scott Fritchen of 247Sports. Williams is choosing between Texas, Kansas State, and Oklahoma State. The one-time Nebraska commit held 10 offers overall with most of those being from midwest programs.
Williams is an athletic scorer who can put the ball in the hoop on all three levels. The 6-5 combo guard possesses good handles, has the ability to blow by defenders off the dribble, and is an excellent finisher at the rim even through contact. He also has excellent range on his jumper and is a strong rebounder. Additionally, Williams has upside as a defender as well as a distributor.
The Lincoln (Neb.) native had an exceptional senior season at North Star High School, compiling 28.3 points along with 8.3 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 14 appearances. He shot 44% from the field and 30% from long-distance along with 75% from the charity stripe. Williams also posted five double-doubles.
Despite not being ranked in the top 100 players in the nation by any of the major recruiting services, Williams was rated as a four-star prospect by ESPN and Rivals (No. 126). However, 247Sports had him at No. 186 in their rankings, and 247Sports Composite tabbed him at No. 147.
Williams had scheduled official visits to all three of the finalists but was unable to take them as a result of the coronavirus. He did, however, make unofficial visits to K-State and OSU earlier in the year. The following is an in-depth look at each of the three schools. Williams spoke to ZAGSBLOG about his thoughts on each program.
Texas: “Their pitch for me is to come in, fight for everything from the jump because they have five or six guards that all made contributions over this last year. I would come in and earn everything I get…If I were to go there, I would work to learn the first year, playing probably seven or eight minutes per game, learn from the older guys. Then, my sophomore year, I could be more of a leader.”
The Longhorns have been “in on” Williams for some time and coach Shaka Smart made several trips to see him. However, UT’s backcourt is projected to be crowded in 2020 with Matt Coleman III, Jase Febres, Courtney Ramey, and Andrew Jones expected to return.
Plus, the Longhorns only have one scholarship available to give out, and that spot is currently reserved for top prospect Greg Brown III.
Kansas State: “The pitch for me is that I can make an immediate impact right away with Cartier [Diarra] leaving and rumors about another potentially leaving. I feel like I can step in and be an immediate factor, playing with Dajuan [Gordon], as well as the other guys coming in. I like Kansas State a lot. They’re close to home. I have a great relationship with the coaches there, as well as Dajuan, Antonio [Gordon], and all the commits there already. It wouldn’t be much of adapting to a new family because I’m already close with them.”
Point guard David Sloan did indeed transfer on April 6, but his departure came following the Wildcats receiving a verbal commitment from JUCO transfer Rueadale Williams. K-State currently owns the 22nd best recruiting class in the nation with seven members, and four-star point guard Nijel Pack being the crown jewel. The Wildcats have one scholarship remaining in 2020.
Oklahoma State: “They’ve been on board since the jump. He’s been out here a few times. I’ve been out there. We have a great relationship and just playing a year with Cade [Cunningham]. I know he’ll be gone, but long term I don’t play on being a one-and-done, I would also be playing with Rondel [Walker] and [Matthew] Alexander-Moncrieffe that could be something great for the next two to three years after Cade leaves and just dominating the Big 12 if that’s the case.”
The Cowboys already have the 10th-ranked recruiting class in the nation. OSU only has one scholarship remaining and is a finalist for four-star forward JT Thor, who is also scheduled to make his decision on April 13.
Next. Top remaining class of 2020 recruiting battles. dark
Prediction: Kansas State is believed to be the overwhelming favorites for Williams, and it appears that the Wildcats are the best fit for him. Oklahoma State is likely the second choice, though with just one scholarship available the Cowboys probably prefer to take Thor. Not saying that OSU wouldn’t take both players. Texas is a distant third.