Zags Eyeing Key Transfer: Johnathan Williams Update

As we head towards the start of the summer, the Gonzaga coaching staff is still working to bring in talent for the upcoming season. Although a lot of focus has been put on the 2016 high school class, there is an elite transfer available that the staff has identified as a potential key piece to the future.

After two seasons at Missouri, Johnathan Williams III elected to transfer. Since he led the Tigers in both scoring and rebounding, it should be no surprise that schools from around the country have pursued the talented forward. The first official visit Williams took was to Gonzaga, and it was the history of success that the program has had that made it an appealing option.

"Coach Few does a great job with the entire program," Williams explained. "He has been there 17 years and he has created a stable program. They get to the tournament every year and the guys that play my position are always successful."

The visit to Gonzaga was eye-opening for the skilled forward, as he was able to forge a bond with the team and staff.

"The guys on the team were great," said the former Missouri star. "Everything was pretty cool out there. The campus is really nice and it's small, which I liked. Also, everything on campus was walking distance to the gym. The coaches were also extremely nice and friendly."

It should come as no surprise that Williams noticed the growth that guys like Kelly Olynyk and Kyle Wiltjer made during their redshirt year in Spokane.

"It matters a lot to me," Williams said of the player development at Gonzaga. "Hopefully my final destination is the NBA and they do a great job of developing players that dominate in college and make it to the pros. My focus would be developing my all-around game. Working on my shooting and ball-handling and also finishing around the basket and getting stronger."

Williams visited at the same time as recent commit, Nigel Williams-Goss, and the chance for them to redshirt together is appealing.

"That's really important. I know in that year off, we would really push each other everyday. We'd also get to know how we play and when we step on the court, we'd know how to play together."

After taking visits to Gonzaga, SMU and Georgetown, Williams knows what will be key for his final choice. However, there may be one more trip before a decision is made.

"I'm looking to find a school that can help me become a great player and a great person," he revealed. "I also want a place that will really teach me the game.  I might take a visit to Kansas on May 29^th or 30^th. After that visit, I'd sit down with my family and make a choice."