Cleveland Center Drawing Attention

Mark Williams-6'8 C Cleveland Benedictine

Mark Williams, a 6’8 center from Cleveland Benedictine, has seen his recruitment take off over the past several months. We caught up with Williams at the recent City Series event and asked him several questions about his recrutiment. Williams, ranked as the second best center in the state by Prep Spotlight’s John Stovall, reports offers from Indiana, Ohio, Kent State, Robert Morris, George Mason, Central Florida and Akron.  He is also receiving interest from West Virginia, Michigan State, Minnesota, Indiana State, Central Michigan, Virginia Tech, Xavier and Cincinnati. Williams has not yet established a list of favorites, indicating “the process is just so overwhelming. The whole school thing [recruiting] is confusing right now,” said Williams.

So far, Williams has taken unofficial visits to Cincinnati, West Virginia, Indiana and Kent State. He also indicated that he has no plans for additional visits anytime soon. Though only a junior, and with no plans to commit until August of 2012, Williams has already starting zeroing in on what he’s looking for in a college. “I would prefer to stay close to home,” said Williams when asked if distance would play a factor in his decision. Williams is also looking for “a family atmosphere. “I want to be around people I trust,” added Williams.

This past summer was a challenge for Williams as he suffered a stress fracture in his shin and was sidelined for over 2 months. Despite the injury, Williams was still able to play ball, as he ran with TNBA Elite, King James and All-Ohio at the AAU Nationals. Although injured, Williams thought his experience last summer was good, stating, “I grew mentally. The injury was good because it made me love the game even more. It [injury] gave me much needed rest,” said Williams.

Despite a tough loss in the district semi-finals last season, Williams is looking forward to the upcoming high school season, and feels his team has a chance to do some big things this year. “State bound,” Williams proclaimed when asked how well his Benedictine can do this season. “I’m very confident. We have team chemistry and everybody returning. We did not have team chemistry last year,” said Williams. Look for Williams to have a big season this year.