'17 NY SG Keith Williams (Commit)

[L-T]

Yeah, think about the match-up zone we play and how difficult it will be for people to get shots off over that length. That was always one of Syracuse's strength with their zone. They had guys on the wing that were 6-5 to 6-8 with long arms and it made the zone look huge and tough to shoot over. Hoping we see a similar effect.

I'm more concerned with how we perform against the zone, than how other teams perform against ours. We know that we'll always be a solid defense, but how far has that gotten us? Basketball is played on two sides of the court, not one. Until we perfect both sides, we'll be stuck exactly where we have been for the last 5 years. Until we gain some recognition for our great offense, we'll continue to get only 3-star recruits with potential and who are effective at doing the dirty work.

I do like what I see on his highlight videos offensively.

 

[JasonS]

Please don't forget this is a thread on Keith Williams. There are threads for all of these other topics, including General Recruiting and the 2016/2017 season threads, so please take those types of discussions there. Thank you.

 

[L-T]

L-T, the reason I'm feeling good about getting Williams is bc he is a player who had options at other very good programs. I am also pleased that we have all 4 year players in this class, and have 12 players already slated for next year's roster. That addresses one of my biggest gripes.

There are certainly some positives as you've pointed out. I can't disagree.

 

[waterhead]

.....and, as we've seen over the last 10 years, there are also some 2-star guys in the 3-star ranks. But, I agree with what you said in your post. I know that you have evolved into a position similar to mine and you want more out of this program and whoever is coaching it. In my opinion, Mick can stay here for life if he can get it done. I could care less who is calling the shots. But, a decade is a more than fair opportunity to get it done. It's time to get it done.

Those that end up looking like 2 star tend to ride pine a lot. If we can end up with 8 out of 13 to be significant contributors we can get where we want to be. There will be guys that don't pan out to be high major D1 material...that's just part of the process. This is why I think it's a big mistake to not have 12 or 13 scholarship players.

This year I Will worry about depth on the wing...next year we will have good depth.

 

[Bearcat513]

Please don't forget this is a thread on Keith Williams. There are threads for all of these other topics, including General Recruiting and the 2016/2017 season threads, so please take those types of discussions there. Thank you.

This comment is a pipe dream. I wish it would hold true but no one seems to be able to grasp that concept.

Meanwhile, on some other reputable sites I have seen someone who covered Williams HS area for the past 5 years and he said, " disregard the ranking on this guy. He will end up in the NBA."

Now, we can go by what some ranking sites say, or by what a journalist who covers the area, in forming our opinions. I will just wait and see how Williams performs when he gets on campus 10 months from now.

 

[waterhead]

For those that are BCJ members, you know I am a rough critic when I am out scouting. Potential is nice, but if production doesn't follow there is little for me to get behind. I liked Anthony Gaines quite a bit, but he's a kid that will struggle to score at the highest level. I'm a huge fan of dirty work guys, but it can't be a one dimensional thing if you are going to play on the wing and be needed to score.

Williams checks off almost every box in what I look for. He wants to guard the opponents main perimeter threat, and can do it well across several positions. He can score at all three levels. He has a handle that can create problems in the middle of a defense. Plus he has that toughness that NYC guards are known for. He has all the makings of an early program guy that can become a star as he puts in the work necessary.

I haven't pushed a kid this hard since Gary Clark. Hopefully they get him in the fold and see similar results...

I finally went back and watched all the video. I see what you have been talking about. I see a very well rounded player. Looks like he can play D at a high level. Doesn't seem to be missing much in regards to tools, confidence or toughness. Athleticism through the roof.

Going to be tough to get all 4 wings on the court but it looks like we may need to. Good gracious! This guy can fly! Handles are decent, shoots pretty good, can defend multiple positions. He chose UC knowing we have 3 young talented wings... that's confidence folks...and that is what we need.

 

[[email protected]]

I'm more concerned with how we perform against the zone, than how other teams perform against ours. We know that we'll always be a solid defense, but how far has that gotten us? Basketball is played on two sides of the court, not one. Until we perfect both sides, we'll be stuck exactly where we have been for the last 5 years. Until we gain some recognition for our great offense, we'll continue to get only 3-star recruits with potential and who are effective at doing the dirty work.

I do like what I see on his highlight videos offensively.

I believe he's underrated. Time will tell.

 

[Chad Brendel]

Here's the part where your thoughts disconnect with what I have said and written on Williams and his role on his New Heights AAU team. Yes he took on the "glue guy" role of being their toughest dude that wanted to draw the opponents best player on a team with a 4 star PG and 5 stars at SF and C. While filling that responsibility he was also the 2nd leading scorer, shooting 47% from the floor and 39% from 3. It wasn't like he took a back seat to any of those guys, he just took on added responsibility to the team while still being a highly productive cog in the offense.

I think at worst Williams is going to be a highly valuable rotation guy. If he develops as I think, he'll be an all conference starter on the wing by his junior season...

 

[Patrick Bateman]

Here's the part where your thoughts disconnect with what I have said and written on Williams and his role on his New Heights AAU team. Yes he took on the "glue guy" role of being their toughest dude that wanted to draw the opponents best player on a team with a 4 star PG and 5 stars at SF and C. While filling that responsibility he was also the 2nd leading scorer, shooting 47% from the floor and 39% from 3. It wasn't like he took a back seat to any of those guys, he just took on added responsibility to the team while still being a highly productive cog in the offense.

I think at worst Williams is going to be a highly valuable rotation guy. If he develops as I think, he'll be an all conference starter on the wing by his junior season...

First team B12 his jr year?

 

[Chad Brendel]

First team B12 his jr year?

Good try. Good effort...

 

[JasonS]

First team B12 his jr year?

Big 12 expansion seems dead at this point. Maybe first team all AAC.

 

[waterhead]

Big 12 expansion seems dead at this point. Maybe first team all AAC.

I say let's form our own conference with teams that the big 12 is looking for and call it something cool like the AAC. We could include UC, HOU, UConn, Memphis, SMU, USF, UCF, Tulane, etc. Add BYU and Boise...Then sign a GOR deal. We could then pilfer teams like WVU and ISU when the dust clears as the big 12 dissolves.

When OSU and X come calling we can just do a Mutumbo finger waive and then I wake up to realize I still need a million dollars to buy more lottery tickets.

 

[Patrick Bateman]

C'mon guys please don't forget this is a thread on Keith Williams.

 

[waterhead]

C'mon guys please don't forget this is a thread on Keith Williams.

This signing could be the catalyst for bigger things. Seriously...I am very happy with this kid...call it a hunch based off of other hunches

 

[Patrick Bateman]

This signing could be the catalyst for bigger things��. Seriously...I am very happy with this kid...call it a hunch based off of other hunches

I am too, reading the articles about him, he just sounds like a classic bearcat

 

[IDC]

I like the signing because apparently he was the #1 target. Other #1 targets have panned out well, Caupain, Clark, Evans, Cumberland hopefully.

 

[GarradJ21]

I like the signing because apparently he was the #1 target. Other #1 targets have panned out well, Caupain, Clark, Evans, Cumberland hopefully.

Good point. No worries about this kid. My worries come with the other 2 we got. As long as T Moore really can knock down 3s maybe close to 40% then we got just what we are looking for out of him. Nsoseme is my biggest question mark.

 

[#BearcatNation]

Good point. No worries about this kid. My worries come with the other 2 we got. As long as T Moore really can knock down 3s maybe close to 40% then we got just what we are looking for out of him. Nsoseme is my biggest question mark.

Same, but only because we know so little about him. I trust our coaching staff. I'd like to see more video and stats on the guy, though. I'll be keeping a close eye on his senior season.

 

[waterhead]

I like the signing because apparently he was the #1 target. Other #1 targets have panned out well, Caupain, Clark, Evans, Cumberland hopefully.

I would have to agree here to a certain extent. Our "high priority" guys have done pretty well over the years. It looks to me like he can fill a role from day one...especially because he can defend...but he's got serviceable skills on O. He will offer us a slasher that we don't have in KJ. He will be fun to watch on the break. Polish up his ball skills and shooting touch and in a couple years he could be a real gem. His game reminds me a little of Morman only with better shooting touch and ball skills. Very physical and athletic. Bearcat prototype only a little better on offense than some of our past guys.

Fits the system well. I really like Williams from that standpoint.

Cronin has done a great job on the wing lately getting 2 offensive juggernauts, a shooter, and an all purpose guy with lock down defender written all over him. We've got all the tools we need for a long time on the wing.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

Same, but only because we know so little about him. I trust our coaching staff. I'd like to see more video and stats on the guy, though. I'll be keeping a close eye on his senior season.

No big man who's ever played for Cronin has even sniffed the NBA. The track record suggests that Nsoseme won't either. I'm extremely skeptical that he is some hidden gem. Seems like a defensive backup at best, especially with the more we hear about Brooks.