AMES —Fred Hoiberg and assistant coach Matt Abdelmassih have their eyes on a versatile freshman out of Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs. Darien Williams, a 6-foot-9 forward who is originally from Cerritos, Calif., took in his second Iowa State home game of the season on Saturday. Williams attended Iowa State’s home game against Kansas in January as well.
“I love Iowa State,” Williams said. “I’m happy to see a game. I have been looking at this school since Royce (White) was playing. I am definitely interested.”
Williams is currently shooting 52 percent from the floor while averaging 16.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game for the Rievers. He visitied Nebraska last week and claims to be receiving interest from: Kansas, Illinois, Oregon, Oregon State, Marquette and others.
“It’s a lot,” Williams said. “I don’t remember everybody but it is a lot.”
Williams sees himself fitting in well with Hoiberg’s NBA style of offense. In recent years, similar players like Will Clyburn and Melvin Ejim have excelled in Ames.
“He lets his guys play,” Williams said. “You see Georges (Niang) bringing up the ball. There’s a lot of freedom. I am a versatile player so I like that. Kind of like Melvin. He shoots. He posts up. I think I would be a really good fit and they told me that too.”
Williams doesn’t have a certain time in mind in which he plans on making his college decision.
“I am going to go through the process and see,” Williams said. “Whenever I feel like some place is the right place for me I will decide.”
