Nov 29, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA Southern California Trojans guard Boogie Ellis (5) and Eastern Washington Eagles guard Mason Williams (2) battle for the ball in the first half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Iowa State earned its second commitment out of the portal Friday in Eastern Washington guard Mason Williams.
The 6-foot-5, 180-pound guard averaged 13.9 points per game for the Eagles last season, scoring in high volumes throughout the year.
“I watched a lot of college basketball this year and what really stood out was their playing style,” Williams said. “They play to their guards and also play bigs – and just play to get the most out of every possession. Also, just the community I’ve seen throughout their games – they have the gym rocking every time. It’s something to play for and work for, every night.”
Williams added 3.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, and set his career high in scoring with 35 points against Idaho State on January 30.
Iowa State’s development and belief in Williams aided in the Cyclones’ landing the commitment from the junior, who was battling injuries through the end of the season.
“They believe in me,” Williams said. “They’ve expressed how I can develop into the player that I need to be, and expressed the growth they think I can have. I think I went through a season last year playing through a lot of injuries and playing through stuff that doesn’t make you your best player.”
Williams played through a ligmament injury in his wrist that hindered his shooting ability, but still maintained a 34.6 percent clip from the 3-point line.
He also battled through a groin injury late in the season. That led Williams, a Seattle native, to develop his game more.
“Cutting through the lane was something I developed just this year,” Williams said. “Usually, throughout my career, I was known as a 3-point shooter and a point guard. With the wrist injury I was going through this year, it had me adapt to getting to the rim more and being a bigger threat going downhill.”
“They expressed that development is key to their program and their success, and that their community was very bought in,” Williams said. “I’m ready to join a winning program. It’s all about winning – by any means possible.”
Williams will have two years of eligibility when he arrives in Ames.
“I’m excited to get to work,” Williams said. “I don’t think anybody has seen the best of me and it’s about to be a really exciting time. I can’t wait to get to Ames and put on for the community.”
