Gary Williams to the Lone Star State

Wisdom is knowing what you can control while putting yourself in the best of positions. Gary Williams understands the former and has made an important decision concerning the latter. He's currently in the Lone Star State polishing his trade, with a eye cast on his future.

The 6-foot-6, 215-pound Williams enjoyed solid junior and senior years at Castlemont High, putting up impressive numbers in the scoring, rebounding and passing departments. He averaged just under 24 points per game in his last season and also received accolades at the Double Pump Camp last July at Cal State Dominguez.

But in the critical time period where identities are established, Williams was abroad. Yes, between his junior and senior years, the Knights were on a tour of Germany -- an unusual undertaking for a high school team. As Williams put it, "It probably hurt me a bit [in terms of recruiting] but it was a great experience."

He then did the circuit this past summer with Lakeshow and received interest from a number of mid-majors but nothing quite to Williams' satisfaction. He felt missing the previous June/July tournament action hindered his recognition.

So the decision was made to facilitate greater visibility for himself.

Williams has headed off to Rowlett, Texas (a suburb of Dallas) for a post grad term at ABCD Prep.

The ABCD schedule includes games against Findlay Prep (where he'll match up with Brandon Ashley and Dominic Artis) as well as various junior colleges and other prep schools. In fact, ABCD will be traveling to California, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Utah for matchups and such should get many more new sets of eyes on him.

Why ABCD?

"I chose to go the post grad route because I felt I was underexposed," Williams explained. "I went with ABCD because  of Coach [Glendon] Alexander. He was a McDonald's All-American and played at Arkansas and Oklahoma State." There are also three other Golden State players on the team, all from southern California.

"We work out twice a day and I want to get bigger, faster and stronger and keep my three-point shooting solid." he added.

His college prerequisites include a school offering a sports broadcasting major and a basketball playing style featuring creativity. Geographical location is unimportant. Possessing a 3.2 grade point average and NCAA Clearinghouse okay, Williams will be adding to his academics by taking some courses for college credit while at ABCD.

The former Castlemont senior class president brings jumpshooting and take-it-to-the-hoop athletic talent to the court. He just needs a broader audience.

Here are some summer 2011 highlights of Williams.