Our first time seeing Ladarius Williams was over the summer at Furman’s team camp. Prior to walking into that camp we had not heard of the rising senior. As we sat and watched him play that day, we continued to wonder how the 6’8” skilled four man from Laurens High School could have fallen through the cracks.
Over the summer Williams played for Upward Stars Upstate. This was the a secondary team under the Upward Stars SE program, based in the upstate of South Carolina. As they should have, local D2 schools have recruited Williams, he has even picked up an offer from local Anderson University.
Still, even after the high level showing Williams had on Furman University’s campus, he carries no D1 offers. Last year, his junior year at Laurens High School, Williams averaged around 10 points and 6 boards per game. His sophomore year at Laurens Williams averaged around 4.5 points.
However, something clicked in June for Williams. The slender and skilled forward took notice of his natural physical tools. He saw that he could shoot the ball with range, he saw that he could attack off the bounce, and saw he could use his 7’ wing span to block shots, he saw that he was more athletic than most kids. All of these natural tools that Williams has always possessed, seemed to come together.
During the North Carolina Top 80, Williams was the most talked about player in the event. All of the 35+ D2 coaching staffs that were in attendance left wanting Williams. During open gym work outs Tennessee Tech, Citadel, and USC Upstate have all been in the Laurens HS gym to see Williams. However, still no one has offered.
This is something that should change soon. Williams stands 6’8”, weighs around 210 pounds, and has a 7’ wing span. He runs the floor like a gazelle and is a quick leaper around the rim. Williams has range beyond the 3 point line and the handle to attack the basket from the high post. Williams finished well above the rim in transition and from the short corner. He also showed the ability to sit on the block and show a big target on the post.
Still a little raw, but the light is quickly coming on. Williams best basketball is ahead of him as he gets better each time he steps onto the court. Southern Conference, Atlantic Sun, MEAC, SWAC, Big South school should be all over and CAA, Horizon, and Sun Belt school should be looking hard at.