Midwest Showdown Shootout: K-State bound Shaun Williams impresses
WEBSTER GROVES, Mo. -- When he committed to Kansas State in the fall, not many knew a lot about point guard Shaun Williams. The three-star at Hazelwood Central in the St. Louis area has an identity, though, he’s one of the top defensive players in the class of 2018.
On Saturday at the Midwest Showdown Shootout, the 6-foot-2 floor general showed the tools to one day become one of the better perimeter defenders in the Big 12. A night after playing a triple overtime game, Williams was unleashed to face guard from one end to end, added 26 points and almost willed his team to a win over a deep and talented Chicago (Ill.) Orr squad.
“I’m a defensive player, I like to play defense,” Williams told Rivals.com. “I want to pick up full court and I want to guard the best player on any team. I try to stop the best player.
“Next year I’ll have to work even harder for time. My defense is going to help me play a lot.”
Looking at the current Wildcats team, Williams is excited about being reunited with another Hazelwood Central product in Xavier Sneed. He also thinks his game compliments the roster that he’ll be joining.
“I can get everybody involved and be a passer,” said Williams. “We have guys that can knock down shots and I see where I can come in there whoever is open I can get them the ball.”
A big-time athlete and a tough kid, Williams plays an in your face style that is similar to that of the guards Bob Huggins has used in his pressing style at West Virginia. He’s confident that the can handle the physical adjustment to the Big 12 but knows there are areas to work on.
“My decision making, I want to cut down on my turnovers,” said Williams. “I want to be able to knock down open shots. My confidence is about 75% with my shot. I’m not uncomfortable but I just need to get in the gym and get up more shots and repetition.”
Finally, Williams is more sure than ever that he made the right choice and is looking forward to arriving in Manhattan and thinks fans will appreciate his style.
“Coach (Bruce) Weber graduates 100% of his basketball players and they showed me love as soon as I went there on my visit,” said Williams. “I just feel like it is family.
“I’m an exciting guard and I like to get the crowd involved. I’m an athletic guard, I feel I can pretty much do a little bit of everything.”