I don't know that there was any guarantee he was going to start at pg. He committed when Hunter was still on the team. Said he was looking forward to playing with Hunter. I don't know why he would look at Lipsey any differently.
https://cyclonefanatic.com/2022/04/...iah-williams-on-his-commitment-to-iowa-state/
I do have to wonder if Hunter was really still on the team, though. I mean he was still technically on the roster, but I'm guessing coaches were 99% sure he was gone at that point, even if they can't tell us that. Remember, Hunter never came back from the tournament.
Sounds like WIlliams is a good player and it'd be great if he stuck around, as some depth and experience (especially next year) would be wonderful. I just don't know if having him next year would be something to count on.