Mike Williams

Visited Thursday the 25th. Committed May 28, 2006.
Signed June 8, 2006

05/28/06: The University of Cincinnati added a McDonald's All-American to its basketball program Saturday when Texas transfer Mike Williams said he will enroll at UC. Williams, a 6-foot-7, 240-pound forward from Camden, Ala., visited UC from Thursday through Saturday.

He said he chose the Bearcats largely because of head coach Mick Cronin. "Coach Cronin and I have known each other for a while," Williams said. "He's a great person and ... a great coach as well. I feel real comfortable around him." - Enquirer.com

05/23/06: "Forward Mike Williams, the McDonald’s All-American who just secured his release from Texas, is scheduled to visit the University of Cincinnati this week. Williams is expected to be in Cincinnati by Thursday, Mark Komara, his former AAU coach confirmed Tuesday night. "He's also interested in Louisville," said Komara, who indicated that Alabama might also be in the running depending on how things unfold. The UC visit is first on his list. "I know he thinks the world of (UC coach) Mick Cronin," Komara said. "(Cronin) recruited him when he was at Louisville." - Enquirer.com (4 to 5)

05/23/06: "Sophomore forward Mike Williams received his release from Texas on Monday and is now free to visit other schools as he decides where he'll go next. CBS's sportsline.com reported last week that UC, Louisville and Birmingham Southern were all possible destinations for Williams." - Enquirer.com

05/22/06: "University of Texas sophomore forward Mike Williams has elected to transfer, head coach Rick Barnes announced today.

"We appreciate the work and effort Mike has put in with our basketball program the last two years and we wish him the best," Barnes said. Williams (6-7, 230) played in 32 games this season, making three starts, and averaged 2.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in 13.6 minutes per contest. An Academic All-Big 12 Second Team selection, he had two double-figure scoring games and one double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds vs. Texas-Pan American on Nov. 29). Williams also registered nine points (4-of-4 FG) and seven boards in 20 minutes against West Virginia in the NCAA Regional Semifinal (Mar. 23). As a freshman in 2004-05, Williams played in 26 games, making one start, and averaged 3.2 points and 3.9 rebounds in 15.0 minutes per contest. In 58 career games, he averaged 2.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game." - Univ of Texas website

05/19/06: "Williams, who is from Camden, Ala., likely will transfer to Cincinnati, Louisville or Birmingham Southern, according to a person close to Williams." - Austin American-Stateman.

05/19/06: "Sophomore center LaMarcus Aldridge also has declared for the NBA draft, while sophomore Mike Williams — a reserve last season thought to be a prime candidate for Aldridge's minutes — has informed UT coaches he intends to transfer." - San Antonio News Express

05/17/06: "We also been informed that 6'8 Mike Williams has been released from his National Letter-of-Intent by the University of Texas and the three schools he will be talking with are Cincinnati, Louisville, and Birmingham Southern. And it's our guess that Williams will end up at Cincinnati due to his relationship with Bearcats head coach Mick Cronin, who recruited him for the Cardinals when he was an assistant coach at Louisville." - www.HoopScoopOnline.com

05/14/06: Texas sophomore forward Mike Williams is transferring, according to sources close to the situation, despite the fact that the Longhorns could lose their entire frontline.

Williams, a former McDonald's All-American, averaged 2.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in 13.6 minutes as a sophomore. The undersized 6-foot-6 Alabama native scored 9 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 20 minutes against West Virginia in the Sweet 16.

Forward Brad Buckman graduated, LaMarcus Aldridge has signed with an agent and P.J. Tucker has decided to test the NBA waters and, according to sources close to the situation, is leaning toward keeping his name in for the NBA draft. It's a puzzling move for Williams, who would have almost certainly started next season and received extensive playing time. According to sources, Williams will look for a place close to his home in Alabama." - FoxSports


04/17/06: "The Lan Hewlett Award, which goes to player with the highest cumulative GPA in each of Texas' men's sports, was also handed out to . . . . Mike Williams (basketball).

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04/30/06: From the Univ of Texas website –

Powerful sophomore who will be a factor in UT's frontcourt rotation … gained valuable experience and playing time during the second half of last season … coaching staff was very pleased with his improvement during spring workouts … one of four McDonald's All-Americans on this year's Texas squad (LaMarcus Aldridge, 2004; Brad Buckman, 2002; Daniel Gibson, 2004). Wilcox Central High School in Camden, Ala. (head coach Mark Dukes) … four-year starter at Wilcox Central … McDonald's All-American … third-team All-America choice by Parade Magazine … honorable mention All-America choice by Slam Magazine … tabbed as the No. 18 overall prospect in the country by TheInsiderHoops.com … teamed with fellow incoming UT recruit Daniel Gibson to lead the USA Men's Junior National Select Team to a 99-79 victory against the World Select Team at the Nike Hoop Summit in San Antonio (April 4) following his senior season … two-time 5A Alabama Player of the Year … averaged 28 points, 16 rebounds and seven blocks per game as a senior while leading his team to the Class 5A state semifinals … averaged 26 points and 14 rebounds per game while helping Wilcox Central to a 29-3 mark and the Class 5A state title during his junior season … member of the school's Citizenship Club in his last two years of high school, a group that regularly visited area nursing homes.