Is Cody Williams the most underrecruited 4-star in the 2023 class?

On3 imageby:Jamie Shaw06/10/22

JamieShaw5

May and June have been big months for 2023 four-star Cody Williams. Not only did his brother, Jalen Williams, have an incredible NBA combine, but the younger Williams started to really solidify a name for himself.

“I play smooth,” Williams told On3. “I kind of model my game after KD, with how long he is. I like grabbing the ball and going, pushing it, and handling it. I’m still working on consistency, but I can shoot it. I’m a big guard that can handle the ball under pressure. My ball-handling and shooting have improved, and I’ve started to buy in and lock in on defense.”

College programs are also starting to figure out the 6-foot-7, late-blooming wing. On3 caught up with Cody Williams recently to talk about his recruitment and his visits.

“I’ve visited LMU and Santa Clara officially,” Williams said. “I haven’t scheduled any more visits yet. I know schools like Georgia Tech and LSU are highly interested in me, and they really want me to visit, so I’m just keeping that in the back of my mind.”

Williams talks visits

Santa Clara: “I learned a lot on the visit. I already knew a lot too, because Jalen went there, but it’s a great school with great academics. Obviously, it would be a great opportunity if I were to go there. I enjoyed the visit.”

Loyola Marymount: “They showed me a lot about their facilities and campus. They highlighted that they wanted me to be their team’s star and showcased all the great things they have. It’s basically a family there.”

Georgia Tech: “They play fast and like to get it and go. They were showing me film. They’re a great academic school. They were showcasing their facilities and all their connections and highlighting that they want me.”

LSU: “I know Cody Toppert because he was recruiting me at Memphis, and now he’s at LSU. The head coach at LSU now (Matt McMahon) was at Murray State when he offered me, and that was my first offer, and then once he got to LSU, he offered me again, so that’s how I know them.”

I’ve started talking to Seton Hall and Wake Forest recently,” Williams said. “USC, UNLV, LMU, Santa Clara, Washington State, and Colorado are also recruiting me.

With Jalen’s help

“He’s been a great inspiration and set an example for what it takes, and he’s been able to show me the ins and outs,” Williams said. “Especially while he was at the combine, he told me just to do what I do and play my game. He stuck to his game, locked up defenders, took great open shots, and didn’t force anything. It worked out great for him, and now he’s a top-20 pick.”

Williams’ take

“Obviously, academics. That’s a huge part of it,” Williams said. “Just a team that plays fast. Somewhere that doesn’t stall when they get across half court but gets it off the rim and pushes—a team and a staff with whom I bond. When I go on these visits, I want it to feel like a family.