Basketball it is for H-F’s Williams

By Joe Henricksen

After a stellar football career and some debate as to what sport Homewood-Flossmoor’s Tim Williams would play in college, the 6-7 senior has decided to go the basketball route.

Williams, a part of a H-F basketball team that is among the top teams in the state, made the decision this week to concentrate on — and pursue — basketball going forward. After starring on the gridiron for the Vikings this past fall at quarterback, throwing for 2,628 yards and 31 touchdowns, Williams sat down with his family over the Thanksgiving holiday and discussed his options and what direction he wanted to take as an athlete.

“His potential is unlimited,” says H-F coach Jim McLaughlin. “When you consider the time he missed last season with the injury and playing football as well, he’s just scratching the surface. He’s so versatile and multi-talented.”

As far as recruiting goes, Williams says he is wide open. Indiana State and IPFW have been the most active in recruiting Williams and have extended offers, with Nevada showing plenty of interest and others now becoming more involved. His recruitment has been somewhat mild as a result of splitting time between the two sports, college coaches not knowing just what sport he would play, and the fact he missed almost all of last season with an injury.

Now Williams is poised for a breakout senior season. Already qualified as a standout student, he is among the top uncommitted players in the state and will be pursued heavily between now and the April signing period by college programs. Williams is among the top 15 prospects in the Hoops Report’s Class of 2012 player rankings.

Williams brings size and versatility, a couple of attributes college coaches search high and low for in pursuit of finding talented players with height. While not overly athletic, Williams has great length, runs the floor well for a player his size and brings an impressive skill set as a combo forward who can put the ball on the floor and step out and knock a shot down out to the three-point line.

With limited basketball practice time due to the H-F football team’s extended playoff run, Williams is still off to a solid start. He’s averaging 11 points and 6 rebounds a game and has hit 4 of 8 from beyond the three-point line.