Darien Williams – I Want the Shot

Name: Darien Williams
Class: 2013
Height: 6 foot 7 inches
Weight: 225lbs

At 6’7 225lbs, one may assume Darien Williams is tough to miss. Add to his stature a starting Forward spot with the 2012-13 Southern Section Division 1A Champion Orange Lutheran Lancers, and it seems to defy reason. In the case of Williams, at least on the recruiting side, reason appears overrated. After averaging 13.8 Points and 9.0 Rebounds per game as A Junior, Williams has managed to remain off the recruiting radar. Assuming his Senior year builds off the success of the ’11-’12 campaign, it’s likely this time next year Williams will spend his free time sifting through multiple offers.

Playing for the high profile AAU squad California Supreme (#6 by Five-Star Basketball) should only help establish Williams’ profile. High-level athleticism and physical strength serve as the core of his game. Interestingly enough, when asked to describe his game, Williams lists “a mid-range shooting touch” among his strengths. Ultimately, his ceiling and recruiting opportunities, may come down to his ability to further develop that away from the basket game. Put-backs and transition baskets are plentiful with Williams on the court and it appears he’s working to develop a right-handed hook shot. Balling along side OLU’s high-flying Gabe York may have overshadowed Williams play during the ’11-’12 campaign, but Coaches/scouts with a decent eye will most likely discern his potential. He rarely loses a Rebound he can get a hand on and sports solid timing when attempting to block a shot.

As for his upcoming Senior season, Williams goals are fairly reserved. “My goals for the season are league, section, and state title”, doubt man OLU fans will take exception to any of the listed goals. On the improvement side, Williams is looking to “improve my footwork, ball handling, and vertical jumping” in an attempt to “take me to the next level”. There’s a confidence and maturity to Williams which belies his age. When asked his preference come last minute and potentially game winning opportunities, Williams made clear, “I want to take the shot plain and simple, if I see the open teammate then I will pass, but I want the shot”. Although the quote was referencing a single basketball shot, it also seems fitting on a larger scale given the pub his game has yet to receive. Assuming the hard work and development continue, no doubt that “shot” is just a play or two away.