Talk about a rain in a dry and weary land. Former VCU commit and three point specialist Kenny Williams ended his recently re-opened recruitment by giving UNC a much needed commitment.
Via Evan Daniels at Inside Carolina
It's been a circuitous route to reach that dream. Williams committed to VCU last summer, before restarting the recruiting process after VCU coach Shaka Smart took the Texas job. Williams named four finalists -- UNC, Virginia, Florida, Michigan - taking visits to UNC and Virginia before announcing his decision.
"Comfort level was high while I was there and it has always been a childhood dream," Kenny said of the Tar Heels.
"I think that Carolina was always the top choice but we had to develop and establish a relationship with them," his father said. "And he did."
A talented long-range threat, Williams averaged 19 points and four assists a game as a senior. During his final run on the EYBL circuit, Williams shot nearly 44 percent from three on 119 attempts.
"This eval is pretty easy," writes Scout.com analyst Rob Harrington. "Williams is an excellent jump shooter, not only in terms of accuracy but based on a quick release. He doesn't require a long follow-through and thus his results should translate well to college versus more intense defense. He prefers the wings and the top of the key but can hit them from the corners as well.
For the sake of background, Williams, a Richmond native, committed to VCU last August spurning a late offer from UNC. When Shaka Smart opted to leave VCU for Texas in mid-April, Williams asked for his release and began to look at other options. Ultimately the decision came down to UNC or Virginia with Williams choosing to leave his home state for Chapel Hill. Scout has Williams rated as a four start and 34th at his position. The fact Williams is an accomplished three point shooter gives UNC a much needed boost on the perimeter.
The other benefit for UNC here is Williams likely ends up being a 3-4 year kind of player which makes him a perfect fit for this season and beyond. UNC has the personnel it needs for a Final Four run in 2015-16 with Williams being a nice addition. If he can come in and provide shooting help right away it will be a nice boost. If not he has time to develop and be a contributor down the line.
This commitment also serves as a nice break after the disappointment of Brandon Ingram choosing Duke earlier in the week, the latest in a string of misses on the recruiting trail for Roy Williams.
