Alford Loses Top Recruit to Arizona

After choosing Arizona over UCLA, Gonzaga, Southern Cal, and Kansas, 6’1” point guard Brandon Williams out of Crespi High School in Encino is set to join the 2018 U of A recruiting class. Williams is the 7th ranked point guard in the nation.

This is yet another top recruit that UCLA needed in order to maintain success and build on the foundation that was laid this year. Unlike schools like Kentucky, when the Bruins lose “one and dones”, the effects are visible the following year. We have trouble replenishing the cupboard to keep the fans fed.

As a sophomore, Williams averaged 16 points and three assists per game with a 43 percent shooting margin. He also had four games of twenty-five or more points.

While Williams was a five star recruit, he had a knee injury which resulted in surgery that caused him to sit most of his junior season. Due to his talent level, not a single school recanted their scholarship offer. He looks primed to return healthy for his senior year.

UCLA really could have used someone like this since he looks a lot like Lonzo Ball on the court. Williams can distribute the ball and knows when to score, but doesn’t always have to. He can run the offensive scheme and has a high basketball I.Q. He has an exceptional passing ability but can easily score when he needs to.

Let’s hope Alford can continue to recruit players in the proper positions. With the return of Welsh and Holiday, at least there will be some leadership from upperclassmen to show the freshmen how it’s done.

Go Bruins!