Texas picks up first 2019 pledge from 4-star SG Donovan Williams

The first member of Shaka Smart’s 2019 class is now on board.

On Wednesday, following his weekend official visit to the Forty Acres, four-star Missouri City Elkins shooting guard Donovan Williams brought his recruitment to a close and announced his commitment to the Texas Longhorns.

“I am thankful for this game and the experiences and memories that have come along with it. I am grateful for all the people I have met upon this journey that have helped along the way,” Williams wrote in his Twitter announcement. “After careful consideration, I’ve decided to commit to The University of Texas. #HookEm”

Williams sided with Smart’s program over a final five that also featured Arizona State, Texas A&M, Miami, and Georgia.

“The staff and rich tradition is really what drew me to Texas and there is playing time for me right when I step onto campus, that is if I earn it,” Williams previously told Rivals’ Corey Evans of why Texas survived his cut.

Weeks removed from those remarks, now committed to Texas, Williams told Evans that his fit as far as every day life as a Longhorn was a defining factor.

“The biggest thing i was looking for in a school was somewhere I felt I was going to fit not just in terms of basketball but also everyday life. But most importantly as i went through the process, it became more and more important to me to be able to play in front of my family.”

Another key factor favoring the Horns in this recruitment? Williams’ long-standing relationship with Houston-area hoops icon John Lucas, who’s not only a revered presence in the basketball community, but the father of Texas assistant and former Longhorns point guard, Jai Lucas. Williams has spent time around and working with Lucas since his early childhood, and has previously noted that familiarity with someone close to the Texas program as a positive for Smart’s program.

Williams previously utilized one of his official visits on a trip to Arizona State, which he raved about, and he was scheduled to officially visit Texas A&M on Sept. 14, with trips to Miami and Georgia to following on Sept. 21 and Sept. 28, respectively. Of course, those tours won’t come to fruition following Williams trip and subsequent commitment to Texas.

A rising prospect who averaged just 13.2 points per game as a junior, Williams’ stock soared throughout the spring and summer circuits as his game developed and his versatility was put on full display. Williams is a do-it-all guard who may not overwhelm in terms of volume offense, but he’s increasingly capable of scoring from all three levels and his length and athleticism is apparent on the defensive end.

“I’m expecting to come in and do a lot of everything,” Williams told Evans. “They see me as a big guard who can stretch the floor with shooting and push the tempo with my transition ability. I think fans should be ready to be on their feet all game because the games will be exciting!”

At 6’5, 180 pounds, Williams ranked as the nation’s No. 111 overall player, No. 17 shooting guard, and as the No. 10 player in Texas, per the 247Sports Composite.