Rodney Williams’ Will Stay Close, Sources Say
Posted on July 11th, 2008 – 5:03 PMBy Myron Medcalf
-Rodney Williams Jr. has performed well at camps and AAU tournaments throughout the United States and has continued to solidify his standing as one of the top players in the country. I think Royce White is a more complete player at this juncture, but Williams’ ceiling is higher.
An obvious target of the Gophers, Williams has listed Minnesota among the schools he’s considering. And even though he’s received offers from schools around the country, I’ve been told by sources close to Williams’ recruiting process that his father would like his son to stay close to home, a sentiment reiterated by another source last week.
That doesn’t mean he’ll choose the Gophers. He has offers from Iowa, Bradley, Iowa State and Wisconsin, too.
But my sources suggest that his father doesn’t want him to play anywhere that forces him to drive a long distance to see him play. My sources also said that Williams did well academically last semester and they’re confident that he’ll do what he takes to qualify to play in 2009-10.
-Sam Dower, a 6-9 forward from Osseo, is picking up steam along the recruiting trail. He’s reportedly picked up offers from Iowa, Marquette and Colorado State. And the Gophers are also interested. But if he intends to play for Minnesota next year, he’s not helping his cause, according to one insider.
Dower hasn’t heeded to the Gophers’ requests for him to attend various Minnesota team camps and workouts this summer. He has reportedly traveled a lot this summer, which is why he hasn’t accepted Minnesota’s invitations. But the insider said it feels like Dower isn’t giving Gophers officials the opportunity to complete a more thorough analysis of his game. And based on what they’ve seen so far, he has some work to do to convince them that he’s ready for Big Ten ball. But Minnesota, along with a number of other schools, will attend this weekend’s TC Summer Classic in the western suburbs, where Dower’s skills will be on display.
6 Responses to "Rodney Williams’ Will Stay Close, Sources Say"
C’mon Rodney, Tubby needs ya!
Nick Punto for point guard!!!
I absolutely detest it when parents influence this decision rather offering guidance. I want the kid to come to the U as well. But I hope he would come based on what he thinks his experience would be here rather than doing it so Dad will be happy.
“But my sources suggest that his father doesn’t want him to play anywhere that forces him to drive a long distance to see him play.” What is the purpose of publishing this quote from an anonymous source? It only hurts the opportunities that are presented to Rodney–who has his one big chance waiting for him.
huh?
Recruit Nick Punto for the gophers and watch him pull a hamstring slamming!!!!
