(Photo: Tyler Rittenhouse/WCSN)
Before walking into one of his last events of his first official visit to Arizona State University, 4-star basketball recruit Donovan Williams was already enjoying his time in Arizona.
He spent time meeting with coaches and players, touring the Tempe campus and more. After a team dinner at Mastro’s, Williams and current ASU players headed to Sun Devil Stadium to see the football team play in their season opener.
Upon entering into the stadium, Williams was greeted to a loud applause and chant of his name by members of the student section .
“It was such a surreal moment, it was crazy,” Williams told Cronkite Sports. “At first I didn’t hear them, until Kimani (Lawrence) pointed them out. They were going crazy, screaming my name. It was an amazing moment to say the least.”
That was one of the many highlights that stuck out to Williams, but he wasn’t the only one who was impressed. His parents accompanied him on the trip and were blown away from what they saw.
“I can’t even ask my dad what his favorite part was because he’ll probably tell you everything,” Williams said. “My mom loved Coach Hurley and everything about him. She also loved how the campus was intertwined with the city.”
The 6-foot-5 shooting guard also caught some of ASU’s workouts led by Coach Bobby Hurley.
“Coach Hurley was so intense, he’s very in-tune with his players and he’s inclusive with his workouts. That was the coolest part, because you could see his passion for the game,” Williams said.
Williams is looking to find a home away from home during his month long recruiting visits and the Houston native found that connection at ASU.
“If I do go far away from home, I won’t be homesick,”Williams said. “The coaching staff and the players really helped me out a lot to make it feel like a second home. That will really be big in helping me make my decision.”
If a commitment decision hasn’t been made by December, Williams hopes to return to Tempe to see the Sun Devils take on Kansas. He will visit Georgia, Miami, Texas A&M, and University of Texas in the month of September.
