Troy lands in-state pledge from Xavier Williams
Coming off an NCAA Tournament run and an impressive 2017 recruiting class, the Troy basketball program has some momentum heading into the upcoming college basketball season.
Head coach Phil Cunningham and his staff received good news Sunday evening, as 2018 Birmingham (AL) Parker power forward Xavier Williams announced his intentions to remain in-state and play for the Trojans.
"Troy has been growing every single year. They've got better and better," Williams told HoopSeen.com. "I believe in Coach Cunningham and his coaching staff to make me a better player and person."
Williams, a skilled 6-foot-8 power forward, had a quality travel season with Team Carroll Premier over the spring and summer. Before earning a handful of scholarship offers, Williams was the most impressive player at the Alabama Elite Preview back in March. His combination of size, skill, and upside made him an intriguing big man for mid-level programs.
Troy hosted Williams for an official visit recently and the senior felt very comfortable with his surroundings and the people involved.
"I feel like I connect well with the coaching staff and the players. I love the situation I'm walking in to. I have a good chance to play as a freshman."
Williams is just the latest in-state prospect that Troy has landed over the past few seasons under the leadership of Cunningham. Last year, the Trojans made a splash by signing Javan Johnson and Malik Burnett, both top ten prospects in the state. They also have Darian Adams, Wes Person, and Alex Hicks on the roster, too.
Williams is currently ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect in Alabama's 2018 class. He joins a formidable recruiting class for the Trojans, as they already have pledges from sharpshooter Spencer Rodgers, athletic guard K.J. Simon, and JUCO forward Devante Foster.