Rodney Williams, the highly recruited basketball player who will be a senior at Cooper High this school year, told Sports Headliners he expects to narrow his list of potential college choices to four or five by this weekend.
He said “for sure” the Gophers will make the cut. Williams wasn’t as sure whether any other Big Ten Conference schools will be on the revised list. The Gophers have been drawing the attention of top players in various parts of the country since Tubby Smith became head coach in 2007 and are known to have interest in the 6-7, 188-pound Williams who is ranked a four star recruit by Rivals.com, listing him as the No. 23 small forward in the nation.
Williams said an opportunity to “play right away” will be the most important factor in selecting a college. He plans to sign a letter of intent with a school in the late fall, November or December.
Grandfather Jerry Robertson said Williams has improved his game in “virtually every phase” this summer as he prepares for his final season at Cooper High School. Robertson has coached AAU teams that Williams has played on including the Minnesota Magic age 17 and under group that won a state title this summer. He said his grandson averaged about 16 points and 12 rebounds in the state tournament, and, as usual, demonstrated his extraordinary leaping ability with numerous dunks and blocked shots.
Williams said his three point shooting might be the single most improved aspect of his game this summer. He talked about possibly making 40 to 45 percent of his three point attempts next season.
Rivals lists Minnesota, Miami and Wisconsin among likely contenders for Williams. Robertson projects Williams’ college position as small forward in college.
He also said that his grandson “struggled a little bit” academically during his freshman and sophomore years before he realized the importance of grades to his future. College scouts have said academics for Williams won’t be an entrance problem at major basketball schools, according to Robertson.
He speaks with enthusiasm about his grandson including when he talks about him as a person. “He’s a really great kid,” Robertson said. “I think he’s a nicer kid than he is a basketball player.”
Hopkins’ Royce White, a five star recruit by Rivals, has already verbally committed to the Gophers. Robertson said he foresees White, 6-7, 210, playing a power forward position in college, although Rivals ranks him the No. 2 prep small forward in the country.
“He’s good friends with Royce,” Robertson said. Williams said, though, that their friendship won’t influence his decision about the Gophers.