With both of BYU’s starting guards graduating this spring, there has been a huge need for the BYU hoopers to secure a point guard that could come in and immediately contribute in a big way.
The Cougs may have found their man in Rudi Williams.
You don’t gotta like it but you gon feel it…CougNation let’s Roc🐱🔵 #Committed pic.twitter.com/1V3Ke7To5K
— Rudi Williams (@Rueadale) May 7, 2022
Williams is a 6-foot-2, 190-pound guard coming in as a grad transfer from Coastal Carolina. The Hamilton, Ontario native brings some senior leadership to a team that desperately needs it. He also brings some scoring and a three-point shot the Cougs have been lacking this past season.
Williams notes that he chose BYU in-part because “BYU is a great fit for me because of my style of play.” He can score and loves going at a fast tempo—something he experienced last season at Coastal Carolina.
As a senior last season Williams had 26 starts and averaged 14.7 points, 3.2 assists, and 4.2 rebounds in 30.3 minutes per game. He did so while shooting 50.9% from the field, 44.7% behind the arc, and 73.5% from the free throw line. His three-point shooting ranked no. 12 nationally.
Compare those numbers to the BYU guard he is helping replace.
Te’jon Lucas started all 34 games for the Cougs last season. He averaged 10.4 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.2 rebounds in 30.0 minutes per game. While Lucas was a phenomenal passer, his shooting average of 44.3% from the field and 31.8% from behind the arc left fans frustrated with his offensive production.
| GP | MIN | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | PTS | |
| Te’jan Lucas | 34 | 30.0 | 2.2 | 4.7 | 44.3 | 31.8 | 72.3 | 10.4 |
| Rudi Williams | 33 | 30.3 | 4.2 | 3.2 | 50.9 | 44.7 | 73.5 | 14.7 |
Prior to his time at Coastal Carolina, Williams played at Kansas State and at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. As a junior at KSU, Williams averaged 4.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 18 minutes per game. As a sophomore at A&M he averaged 21 points, 8.9 assists, and 6.7 rebounds and was named an NJCAA All-American. He was regarded as one of the top community college prospects by 247Sports and JUCOrecruiting.com.
Williams was attracted to BYU “because of the stage and opportunity” along with the relationships he has built with the staff. He has one year of eligibility and is immediately eligible to play as a graduate transfer.
Williams was being recruited by Butler, Cal, Connecticut, George Mason, Oregon State, San Diego State, Wichita State, and Xavier. He was listed by Jeff Good man of Stadium as one of the nations top 75 transfer prospects, while Bryan Mauro of Fansided had him at no. 39 on his list of top 100 prospects.
⚜️ Available Transfer ⚜️
Rudi Williams
🏆Ball Guard🏆
Coastal Carolina
**1 Year of Eligibility Remaining**15 PPG | 4 RPG | 3 APG | 51 FG% | 45 3P%@Rueadale #transferportal #CoastalCarolina pic.twitter.com/pYhCGmigzZ
— Transfer Tapes (@TransferTapes) April 14, 2022
When I asked him about life off the court, he mentioned that he likes watching The Dark Knight and the original Rambo movies, eating Lucky Charms, and listening to Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Baby, and Drake.
The best advice he’s ever received is “trust your gut” and his favorite players include Chris Paul and Luka Doncic. His dream NIL partner is Body Armor because he “drinks their drinks a lot.”
Williams said he “wants Cougar fans to know that I’m excited about the opportunity and that I’m going to give it my all.”
We’re excited too. Welcome to Cougar Nation Rudi!
