Marquette University Athletics
Top-100 Recruit Erik Williams Signs With Marquette
11/12/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 12, 2008
Milwaukee - The Marquette University men's basketball program has signed one of the top prep players in the state of Texas, Erik Williams, to a National Letter of Intent, head coach Buzz Williams announced Tuesday afternoon.
Williams, a 6-7, 200-pounder, will arrive on campus this Summer and have four years of eligibility with MU.
"Erik was the first commitment in this class when I was an assistant and stayed true to his word from start to finish," Williams said. "In our program, trust and loyalty are cornerstone beliefs and we are grateful to have Erik join us. He plays in the largest classification in the state of Texas and has played against great competition throughout his career thus far."
A consensus top-100 player by nationally recognized recruiting services, Williams is ranked 14th by HoopsScoopOnline.com, 30th by Hoopmasters.com, 96th by Scout.com, 97th by ESPNU.com and 99th by Rivals.com, despite missing most of his junior year because of injury.
Williams is currently ranked the sixth-best player in the state of Texas, regardless of position, by TexasHoops.com.
Williams has been tabbed to the preseason all-Houston first team this year at Cypress Springs High School, where he enters his senior campaign under head coach John Harmatuk. He is already the program's all-time leader in blocked shots (184 blocks in 52 games) and will have the full season to pad his lead in that category.
"Erik knew right away that Marquette was the place for him," Harmatuk said. "Coach Williams is getting a player who can score, and with his guidance will develop into an outstanding defensive player because of his length and athletic ability. He is really blossoming in his development and has a world of potential. More importantly, he is the type of kid who will flourish in a Jesuit institution like Marquette. He is thoughtful and smart. I couldn't be happier for him."
As a junior, Williams averaged 18.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.1 blocks per game before missing the conclusion of the season with a foot injury. The Panthers advanced to the third round of the Class 5A playoffs in 2007-08.
Williams was tabbed the district's newcomer of the year as a sophomore in 2006-07, posting season averages of 11.4 points and 8.1 boards per outing. He also swatted 102 shots that year and helped the squad to an overall record of 27-7.
In less than two seasons at Cypress Springs, Williams has netted nearly 1,000 career points.
"I have known Erik since he was a freshman and coach Harmatuk has diligently worked with him on a daily basis to help mold Erik into the player he is today, which I think is only the beginning of what he is going to end up becoming," Williams said. "Erik has a very high ceiling and I am anxious to work with him and watch his game continue to evolve. He comes from a great family and represents everything we want in a student-athlete, on and off the floor, at Marquette!"
Williams attended Strake Jesuit College Preparatory as a freshman in 2005-06.
