Feb 24, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Temple Owls guard Jeremiah Williams (25) looks to pass the ball as Memphis Tigers guard Alex Lomax (10) defends during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Rutgers men’s basketball landed a commitment from Iowa State transfer Jeremiah Williams on Thursday afternoon. The 6’5″ guard made the announcement on Twitter.
Williams averaged 9.5 points, 4.3 assists and 3.5 rebounds for Temple as a sophomore during the 2021-2022 season. He was No. 58 nationally with a 31.0 assist rate and No. 359 with a 2.6 steal rate. Williams can defend multiple positions at 6’5” and was No. 130 in foul rate over 40 minutes. His pass first mentality and commitment on the defensive end make him a good fit with the team culture.
Williams missed all of last season after suffering an Achilles injury in the preseason. He previously played two seasons at Temple before transferring to Iowa State. Williams entered the transfer portal in May and initially committed to Illinois. However, he re-entered the portal at the end of June. After visiting Rutgers this week, he made the decision to become a Scarlet Knight.
As a two-time transfer who is an undergrad, the NCAA rule dictates he must sit out this coming season. Williams is applying for a waiver to be able to play this season. However, it’s more likely that he will have to wait until the 2024-2025 season before taking the court for Rutgers. He is also still recovering from his season ending injury and could benefit from the extra time as he works his way back.
On my latest podcast episode, I discuss the impact of Williams joining the program, his skill set and why he’s a good fit, why he adds value in the long term, whether he has two or three years of eligibility remaining, how Rutgers is likely to fill out the rest of the roster and more.
Listen and watch to this episode below.
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Video
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Given the lack of options available at this stage, J. Williams is a nice forward thinking addition. For me, however, the immediate need is adding guard, A. Williams, while Palmquist can’t hurt, depth wise. But, I think if Jamichael Davis can contribute the way Simpson was able as a true frosh last year, I’d be a bit less concerned if Rutgers doesn’t get A. Williams.
pj43
July 28, 2023 at 3:34 pm
Given the lack of options available at this stage, J. Williams is a nice forward thinking addition. For me, however, the immediate need is adding guard, A. Williams, while Palmquist can’t hurt, depth wise. But, I think if Jamichael Davis can contribute the way Simpson was able as a true frosh last year, I’d be a bit less concerned if Rutgers doesn’t get A. Williams.