Jack Williams wants nothing more than to play in the Big Dance his final season of college basketball.
That desire combined with a relationship that dates back to high school with All-Big Sky Conference guard Michael Oguine led Williams to Missoula, Montana.
The 6-foot-8, 220-pound gradate transfer from University of the Pacific in the West Coast Conference fielded offers he called “surprising” from ACC contender Clemson along with Mountain West powers Boise State and Wyoming and rebuilding Pac 12 member Washington State.
Oguine helped alert Montana head coach Travis DeCuire of Williams’ ability to stretch the floor as a power forward with good shooting touch and deft passing, a pair of skills absent for UM’s stretch four spot during the Grizzlies’ first run to the NCAA Tournament in five years this spring.
Williams weighed his options over the last month following the end of former NBA Rookie of the Year Damon Stoudamire’s second season at the helm at PU. His fit into Montana’s system, his previous chemistry with Oguine and his desire to compete on the biggest stage in men’s college hoops caused him to commit to the Big Sky champion Griz on Monday afternoon.
Photos courtesy of Williams. All Rights Reserved.