PG search: Alexander/Williams

[tm3308]

What's the latest on possibly signing either Iowa Central's Kurt Alexander or Kirkwood's Kaylon Williams? I don't have insider access to Scout or Rivals, so I can't read up on the subject.

I've only seen Williams play thus far (3 times), but Iowa Central travels to Cedar Rapids on Feb. 27, so I fully intend to catch that game to see Alexander. I really like what I've seen in Williams up to this point. Bit of a streaky shooter, but when he's on, he's REALLY on. I've seen him shoot like 20% from 3 point range in one game to what seemed like 50% in another. He shoots about 38% right now, and that would lead Iowa right now. He's more athletic than Lickliter, and probably Payne as well. He also brings better size (6'3" 185) than what we currently have. His ability to penetrate is exciting, and he has the ability to both kick it out to the open man or finish at the rack. His defense is very good as well, damn quick kid. Maybe not a true PG, but I think he and Cully could do a very good job splitting time at PG, and Kaylon could get time at the 2 as well. This could be exceptionally handy if we felt the need to have 2 ball handlers on the floor (late game pressbreak situations).

 

[HawkeyeRyno]

According to Rob Howe of HawkeyeInsider.com, Kirkwood coach hasn't heard anything from Lickliter regarding Williams. Sounds like he may be "banking" scholarship for 2011. Bad move IMO.

 

[McHawkin]

Neither and it is not a bad move, but you'll just have to wait and see why.

 

[storminspank]

Walthall went to MO to look at a PG down there.

 

[hawktech]

According to Rob Howe of HawkeyeInsider.com, Kirkwood coach hasn't heard anything from Lickliter regarding Williams. Sounds like he may be "banking" scholarship for 2011. Bad move IMO.

Not getting another player would be betting all the chips on Payne. Huge risk if you ask me...

Answer me this - if Cully Payne goes down mid-year next season(or doesn't improve significantly), leaving the Hawkeyes without a PG. Then the team fails miserably. Does this buy Lickliter another year??? I could see Barta say, "well until we lost Cully Payne we were 12-5", then giving Todd another year after we finish 16-15. Not that I would agree with that...

I'm curious as to what others think. What does Lickliter have to do to keep his job? And what if something like losing Cully Payne mid-season would warrant another year?

 

[hawktech]

Also, does Lickliter go for a JC or HS recruit?

Also2, is the Missouri recruit a hs or jc player?
thanks

 

[storminspank]

Also, does Lickliter go for a JC or HS recruit?

Also2, is the Missouri recruit a hs or jc player?
thanks

Bobby Hatchett. 2010 class HS.

 

[woodyk1]

I didn't see this posted (I may have missed it somewhere) but here's a link to a KCRG story with accompanying video of a 3 minute interview on Friday with Kaylon Williams

Kaylon Williams Talks to KCRG | KCRG-TV9 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa News, Sports, and Weather | Sports

It sounds like Williams wants an offer from the Hawks. He did not know about the Tucker news at the time of the interview.

For old Hawk fans, at the 2:50 mark (30 seconds or so to go in the video) you will quickly see one of the Kirkwood coaches in the background - Greg Stokes.

 

[HawkeyeRyno]

I didn't see this posted (I may have missed it somewhere) but here's a link to a KCRG story with accompanying video of a 3 minute interview on Friday with Kaylon Williams

Kaylon Williams Talks to KCRG | KCRG-TV9 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa News, Sports, and Weather | Sports

It sounds like Williams wants an offer from the Hawks. He did not know about the Tucker news at the time of the interview.

For old Hawk fans, at the 2:50 mark (30 seconds or so to go in the video) you will quickly see one of the Kirkwood coaches in the background - Greg Stokes.

Great post! If Lick fails to offer him when Williams clearly is interested in playing for the Hawks, even in times like these, then Lick would be making a HUGE mistake. He would be a great addition and some much need added experience. Brust can shoot, K-Will can dish and drive and Payne has experience and shown glimpses of greatness. It's not like we have players knocking at our door! We are going after a lot of overlooked kids that will hopefully pan out. If Lick "banks" this scholarship and struggles next year I'd say that would be the last straw especially given the missed opportunity.

 

[hawktech]

I didn't see this posted (I may have missed it somewhere) but here's a link to a KCRG story with accompanying video of a 3 minute interview on Friday with Kaylon Williams

Kaylon Williams Talks to KCRG | KCRG-TV9 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa News, Sports, and Weather | Sports

It sounds like Williams wants an offer from the Hawks. He did not know about the Tucker news at the time of the interview.

For old Hawk fans, at the 2:50 mark (30 seconds or so to go in the video) you will quickly see one of the Kirkwood coaches in the background - Greg Stokes.

How about walking on to prove to coach he is serious? If he works his tail off, I would imagine he would get that scholarship! Then Iowa could go for another type of player(a big man?)further helping the team.

Williams would be rewarded for life by Hawk fans gratitude! I'm not saying he would be getting free drinks for life like Rob Houghtlin, but it would be worth something...

 

[storminspank]

I didn't see this posted (I may have missed it somewhere) but here's a link to a KCRG story with accompanying video of a 3 minute interview on Friday with Kaylon Williams

Kaylon Williams Talks to KCRG | KCRG-TV9 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa News, Sports, and Weather | Sports

It sounds like Williams wants an offer from the Hawks. He did not know about the Tucker news at the time of the interview.

For old Hawk fans, at the 2:50 mark (30 seconds or so to go in the video) you will quickly see one of the Kirkwood coaches in the background - Greg Stokes.

Nice find.

 

[FreddyBrown]

Neither and it is not a bad move, but you'll just have to wait and see why.

Does national security preclude you from explaining this cryptic remark, or do you just want some attention?

Having Jake Kelly sitting out and taking up a scholarship for two years to play one would do us no good next season.

 

[hawks23]

Can anyone tell me why Williams went to Kirkwood after his freshman year of college? Probably has been said before, but I've missed it. I would rather have a young kid come in if talent levels are equal. Hackett kid looks like he has some athleticism.

 

[SPGroth]

Can anyone tell me why Williams went to Kirkwood after his freshman year of college? Probably has been said before, but I've missed it. I would rather have a young kid come in if talent levels are equal. Hackett kid looks like he has some athleticism.

I believe that Kaylon wanted to be closer to home as his decision to leave and return to Cedar Rapids after his freshman year.

 

[McHawkin]

Does national security preclude you from explaining this cryptic remark, or do you just want some attention?

Having Jake Kelly sitting out and taking up a scholarship for two years to play one would do us no good next season.

Yes, Hawkeye National securtiy.

 

[woodyk1]

Another Kaylon Williams article in today's CR Gazette by Mike Hlas. The article mentions SPGroth's point about Kaylon wanting to play closer to home.

Kirkwood’s Kaylon Williams playing the recruiting game — again|GazetteOnline.com

 

[JHHawk]

Sounds like a tough kid,playing after his tooth came thru his lip and getting stitches after the game. Hope our coaching staff makes the right decision with Tuckers scholly...but if they pass on Williams, good luck to the kid wherever he lands. I do like guys that grow up wanting to be Hawks ,if they are worthy.

 

[JoeHawki]

This kid wants to be a hawk. If he has the talent, can play the PG spot, and put his teammates ahead of himself, then i think he should be offered. Where is the down side?

 

[FreddyBrown]

I agree, JH, but I think the staff is doing the right thing by taking the time to look around. There are better players out there, the question is whether we can land one.

If not, and KW is still available, he can help us. You don't lead the MVC in assists as a true freshman on a bad team if you can't play.

 

[tm3308]

He definitely has the talent, can definitely play the PG spot. The only question is maybe Lick isn't sure Williams can put his teammates first. I would think that his nearly 8 apg average would be evidence that he can, however. He made a fantastic no-look alley oop pass last night early in the first half. He finished with 8 assists, and in the first 7 minutes, there were many more chances, his teammates just couldn't get the shots to fall. Williams creates plays for his teammates, and that's something we need more of. Alexander is probably very good (haven't seen him), but he seems like more of a scorer than a playmaker. We could use a scorer, but Williams can do a little of that as well, and he's a much more accomplished as a passer.