New Big 12 school leads for Williams

Once on the verge of committing to a Big 12 school, five-star prospect Latavious Williams has relocated to Humble (Texas) Christian Life Center. There has also been a shake up in his recruitment, and a new Big 12 school is at the top of the 6-foot-7, 195-pound forward's school list.

Last spring Williams was a wanted man, especially after coaches saw his dominating performances at the Kingwood Classic. At the time there was also strong speculation that a commitment to Kansas State could occur at any moment.

Then questions arose about Williams' academic status. Schools cooled on his recruitment, and the Mississippi native relocated from Progressive Christian on the east coast to Christian Life Center in the heart of Texas.

Baylor is now in the driver's seat in Williams' recruitment.

"Baylor is number one by far," said Williams' travel team coach Scooter Owens of the Brandon Bass Elite. "They never stopped recruiting him. From day one they said they were going to hang in there with Latavious, and Latavious is a loyal kid."

Florida State and Memphis are the other two schools with a strong presence in Williams' recruitment.

As for his academic progress, Williams has a legitimate shot at qualifying as a 2009 prospect according to Owens.

"It's looking really good for Latavious to qualify," said Owens. "A lot of schools are trying to get back in with him now, but he really isn't interested in the schools that backed out. He'll listen to the new ones, though, like Memphis."

Williams is the No. 15 ranked prospect in the Rivals150.

Latavious Williams scouting report:

An exceptional athlete with the capacity of playing with an impressive energy level, Williams has drawn comparisons to Tyrus Thomas of the Chicago Bulls. Assaulting the rim is his forte, but Williams also has touch on his jumper out to 17-feet and can make plays with the basketball. Defensively, he is an imposing presence with his shot blocking ability.