Perfect situation

Around two weeks ago West Virginia started to turn the head up in the recruitment of Levelland (Tx.) South Plains C.C. forward BillyDee Williams and after a weekend visit to Morgantown the junior college prospect realized the situation was just too good to pass up.

Prior to that period schools weren't as active recruiting Williams because they weren't sure if he was going to be eligible for this upcoming season but once he got word that he would be cleared a number of programs turned up their attention including West Virginia.

The Mountaineers started to talk of setting up a visit during that time period and for Williams the decision to take the trip was an easy one.

Larry Harrison served as the lead recruiter for the athletic swingman and the message was clear that West Virginia was in need of a player that could rebound, defend and stretch the floor with his shooting.

"I had always liked the program and coach (Bob) Huggins is a great coach. I thought it was a good opportunity to play for him," he said. "They needed some more athleticism because that was one of their weaker areas last year so they felt like I would be the perfect fit."

Williams also had offers from FIU and Southern Mississippi over the past couple weeks as well as a long list of interest from several other programs. But once he visited West Virginia this weekend he realized that there was no need to extend the recruiting process.

"I liked it a lot. I just felt comfortable as soon as I got there and they seemed like one big family. Everybody was comfortable with each other and I liked the relationship coach Huggins had with his players," he said.

The 6-foot-5, 200-pounder committed Saturday night when he was leaving to go to dinner with the coaching staff and gave Harrison the good news. He wasn't prepared for how quickly that would spread not only to the rest of the West Virginia team but to countless people via the internet.

"I talked to the players and just realized that this was it," he said. "With what they've lost and me being the last scholarship I think this is perfect. This is the perfect situation."

Juwan Staten served as the lead recruiter for Williams and the point guard spoke with him about his relationship with Huggins during his time in Morgantown.

"He told me he had some little problems with coach but he realized they are pretty much the same person and he really likes him. He just wants someone that will play hard for him," he said.

Williams also enjoyed his time in open gym with the current team and how he fits in with the current roster that the Mountaineers will have this upcoming season. He will have two years of eligibility left and is excited for the next chapter of his career.

The Orlando, Florida, native had a very productive season this past year considering he only played around 17 minutes per game chipping in with 10 points and over 5 rebounds per contest. Unlike most players, Williams isn't fazed by coming off the bench has only one goal in mind when he gets into the game.

"I'm a winner. I hate losing with a passion. I think I've only lost five games since high school and I hated them all. I'm a competitor and I'm someone that will go to war with my teammates and someone they can trust," he said. "When I get in I want to do as much as I can with the time I'm given."

Williams must finish one class before he arrives at West Virginia but is set to enroll July 21 to begin his career with the Mountaineers.

"I'm willing to come in and give my all to the program. There is so much history at West Virginia and I'm happy to be a part of it and leave my mark," he said.