It’s a two-horse race for Torrington (Conn.) big man Jordan Williams.
The 6-foot-10, 245-pound Williams is expected to decide between Maryland and St. John’s within the next week or so, according to Torrington head coach Tony Turina.
“He’s been at St. John’s and he was also at Maryland,” Turina said. “Both visits were great. He’s got a difficult choice. He came away impressed with both schools. I would say they’re both neck-and-neck. He’s narrowed his choices down to those two schools. Within the next week to 10 days, he should be making a commitment one way or the other.”
Williams has opted not visit any other schools, even though UMass and Providence were in the mix. Turina said Arizona, Cal, Siena and Marquette also called to express interest.
Wherever he ends up, Williams could be an impact player within a year or two. Williams averaged 28 points, 15 rebounds, 7 blocks and 3 assists last season, Turina said. He has scored more than 1,000 career points despite missing half of his freshman year, and he is within 250 or so points of the school record set by his uncle, Murray Williams.
“He’s going to be a four,” Turina said. “He’s 6-10, he’s a power man. He finishes better than many big men. He’s got great great hands and he can run the floor well. Once he commits to the weight room in college, I think he can be a much better college player than he his in high school because he’s going to be pushed every day in practice and every game.
“Whenever he played against top schools and top players in Connecticut, he came away dominating the game. His upside is tremendous.”
Now it comes down to one ACC school and one Big East school.
“Both Maryland and St. John’s know they’ve’got a player out there who’s going to be a top player by the time he gets to the latter part of his collegiate career,” Turina said.
Alessandro / October 9, 2008
Adam,
Any feeling one way or the other?
His sister attends St. John’s, but Maryland, despite their own troubles the past few years, is still a bigger program.
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Adam Zagoria / October 9, 2008
I’ve heard Maryland has a very good chance, but the coach says it’s up in the air. If I had to guess, I’d say Maryland, but we’ll find out soon enough.
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Alessandro / October 9, 2008
Thanks.
If Williams were to opt for Maryland, do you anticipate Norm Roberts making a push for Linden’s David Bruce or, given their scholarship constraints, would they likely save that scholarship for the 2010 class?
What accounts for Maryland’s recent push for NY metro area players, Padgett and Williams?
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Hamburgler / October 9, 2008
Adam,
Most Terps fans seem to feel both Padgett & Williams will give immediate minutes and production for the terps. Understanding star rates aren’t everything these guys are both 3 star prospects. Where and how much do you see him contributing next season providing the Terps land Williams?
Thanks
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RonDawg / October 9, 2008
The Terps have Mosley and Kim this year, w/ Padgett and a strong possibilty of Williams and Epps next year, they would appear very strong. What are your thoughts.
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Adam Zagoria / October 9, 2008
From what I understand, Maryland didn’t make a concerted effort to get into the NY area, but Williams and Padgett fulfill needs, and Maryland has not always had great success recruiting the DC area successfully.
Now the Terps are involved with these guys, as well as Isaiah Epps, Taran Buie and Tobias Harris.
My gut says Williams to Maryland, but we’ll see.
As for David Bruce, who knows. I’ll try to get an update on him soon.
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LennyFromQueens / October 9, 2008
Williams to St. john’s. From what i hear Jordan and his family came away very inpressed after their visit thi past weekend. Much like Stephenson after the stormfest a few weeks ago.
The foundation – Burrell, Kennedy, Coker, Boothe, Thomas, Horne, Roberts – is in place. And people are finally starting to realize that SJU is only a stud or two(Williams & Stephenson??) away from making a serious run in both the big east and ncaa tourney in ’09. My guess is this kid realizes that and signs with the johnnies sooner rather than later.
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tigertown / October 9, 2008
I heard Williams to Maryland. Wants to play for a proven coach that won a National Championship and puts guys in the NBA(Joe Smith, Wilcox, Francis,etc..)
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littletrit / October 15, 2008
Jordan came here to St. John’s acouple of weeks ago and I got a chance to meet him. He seems like he would be a great guy to join our team next year. He’s currently a four star recruit and is only getting better. I could see him being an impact player right away for us on the inside. I really hope he chooses St. Johns. Please Jordan, come to New York!!!
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