Latavious Williams, a forward from Humble, Texas, announced last week that he will forgo college basketball to play overseas. Williams made the decision in order to improve his family’s financial situation. He says that Italy, and even China, are possible destinations. If Williams is able to land a pro contract overseas he will join Brandon Jennings and Jeremy Tyler as the third American player to bypass college for a foreign league.
Williams, who was viewed as a top-20 prospect by recruiting service Rivals.com, had previously accepted a scholarship to play at Memphis. In comments made after Williams announced his intentions, new Memphis coach John Pastner seemed supportive.
“I support the kid 100% because he wanted to improve the financial situation for him and his family. You can’t argue with that.”
The move worked out with Jennings, who was taken No. 10 overall in this year’s draft by the Milwaukee Bucks afters spending one year in Italy. Can Williams follow in his footsteps and become a lottery pick in 2010? Only time will tell.
Arin Karimian
