Tyrell Williams, a 6-foot-8, 226-pounder from Miami (Fla.) isn't ready to announce his college choice, but he said he is getting closer.
"Besides me there are two people that have say-so in my decision," Williams said. "Those people are my coach and my mom. I will probably make a decision within the week."
Williams said his final three right now are the University of Wyoming, Stephen F. Austin, and Florida Atlantic. He spent part of last week in Laramie taking a look at Wyoming.
"Coming from Miami, which is a big place, you have South Beach, Palm Beach and so many places to go," Williams said. "Going to a small area was different and the weather It is kind of different. I am so used to schools everywhere you turn around, you have FIU, FAU, Central Florida and others all in the same area. When I realized it was a small town that revolved around a Division I school, I was like wow.
"The thing that really caught my attention is that the love I felt and the atmosphere. There are not as many things to do, which leaves you more time to focus on the classroom and on the court. In Miami there is a way that you don't go looking for trouble, but trouble can find you. In a small town everyone shows support and that made me feel right at home. I told them they will see me soon."
Williams said he is looking for a college which will offer him his choice of majors between business marketing or criminal justice. He is also interested in finding a basketball program that fits him and will teach him how to improve, not only as a player, but as a man. Williams said the Wyoming basketball program reminded him of his own high school program in Miami.
"Coming from a program in high school where I feel loved and appreciated, and where it was expected that I was disciplined, Wyoming felt the same. I met all of my teammates, my coaches, their families and they made me feel right at home and showed me around the camps as well as the business program. It is one of the best programs in college. They showed me the remodeling of the future gym. They also took me to a nearby church, I am big on that."
While Williams admits he was a long ways from home, he didn't have to look far to find players or coaches who have a background in his native Florida. Wyoming players Charles Hankerson, Jr., and Jeron Granberry are both Miami natives, while head coach Larry Shyatt spent several years coaching at the University of Florida.
Assistant Jeremy Shyatt came to Wyoming after coaching at North Florida. Assistant Coach Allen Edwards is also a Miami native. Assistant Player Personnel Coach Matt Wise also spent time as a graduate assistant at the University of Florida.
"To be honest, the whole staff is from Florida," Williams said. "It is like wow, they are way out here. I think that is what made me feel at home. These are Floridians that I can bond with and we can come together to be successful at this program."
Last season Williams accounted for 8.5 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocked shots per game for Miami Norland High School. He reports scholarship offers from Wyoming, Florida Atlantic, Iona, and Stephen F. Austin.
"I think my strength is defense," he said. "I contest shots, rebound, I am very active on the glass. I use my body around the basket well and I know how to get my teammates open."
Tyrell Williams
"Besides me there are two people that have say-so in my decision," Williams said. "Those people are my coach and my mom. I will probably make a decision within the week."
Williams said his final three right now are the University of Wyoming, Stephen F. Austin, and Florida Atlantic. He spent part of last week in Laramie taking a look at Wyoming.
"Coming from Miami, which is a big place, you have South Beach, Palm Beach and so many places to go," Williams said. "Going to a small area was different and the weather It is kind of different. I am so used to schools everywhere you turn around, you have FIU, FAU, Central Florida and others all in the same area. When I realized it was a small town that revolved around a Division I school, I was like wow.
"The thing that really caught my attention is that the love I felt and the atmosphere. There are not as many things to do, which leaves you more time to focus on the classroom and on the court. In Miami there is a way that you don't go looking for trouble, but trouble can find you. In a small town everyone shows support and that made me feel right at home. I told them they will see me soon."
Williams said he is looking for a college which will offer him his choice of majors between business marketing or criminal justice. He is also interested in finding a basketball program that fits him and will teach him how to improve, not only as a player, but as a man. Williams said the Wyoming basketball program reminded him of his own high school program in Miami.
"Coming from a program in high school where I feel loved and appreciated, and where it was expected that I was disciplined, Wyoming felt the same. I met all of my teammates, my coaches, their families and they made me feel right at home and showed me around the camps as well as the business program. It is one of the best programs in college. They showed me the remodeling of the future gym. They also took me to a nearby church, I am big on that."
While Williams admits he was a long ways from home, he didn't have to look far to find players or coaches who have a background in his native Florida. Wyoming players Charles Hankerson, Jr., and Jeron Granberry are both Miami natives, while head coach Larry Shyatt spent several years coaching at the University of Florida.
Assistant Jeremy Shyatt came to Wyoming after coaching at North Florida. Assistant Coach Allen Edwards is also a Miami native. Assistant Player Personnel Coach Matt Wise also spent time as a graduate assistant at the University of Florida.
"To be honest, the whole staff is from Florida," Williams said. "It is like wow, they are way out here. I think that is what made me feel at home. These are Floridians that I can bond with and we can come together to be successful at this program."
Last season Williams accounted for 8.5 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocked shots per game for Miami Norland High School. He reports scholarship offers from Wyoming, Florida Atlantic, Iona, and Stephen F. Austin.
"I think my strength is defense," he said. "I contest shots, rebound, I am very active on the glass. I use my body around the basket well and I know how to get my teammates open."
Tyrell Williams
