Staten Island’s Lawrence Generating Looks At Lutheran

April 25, 2006 – When you think of Staten Island, NY, many people think of the world famous ferry connecting that borough of New York City with Manhattan, while others think of rap artists Wu Tang Clan and that group’s home-grown vocabulary. College coaches are also aware of another Staten Island product – Lawrence Williams.

This 6’7”, 225lb, senior forward spent last season down the I95 corridor in Philly, at Philadelphia Lutheran. Playing for Coach Daryl Schofield at that North Philadelphia school, Lawrence shared classroom achievements of “an 85 average, and 1090 on my SAT”. Schofield added that Williams “is a full qualifier” who averaged “16 points and 12 rebounds” for the Lutheran Crusaders last season, as a power forward that occasionally plays the three (shooting forward).

Lawrence describes his playing style in workman terms, and they fit. “I’m a hard worker and a winner” he said. Schofield agreed, revealing “He’s a trooper for us. He really helped out with the banging inside” this season.

Lutheran’s coach also felt having Williams in his program “helped Theo Davis (who is also being recruited by high major programs)” as the two pushed one another, and as a coach, Schofield could offensively “incorporate a high-low game”. He then lauded William’s ability to set screens, rebound, defend, post, and add a sense of physicality and toughness to his squad’s frontcourt. Sharing further, Schofield would go on to credit the forward for helping the team rise from a 2-5 record when he enrolled, to “finish 33-5”.

During the Charlie Weber Easter Hoop Fest, Williams dominated in the paint out to around 15 feet, constantly presented himself for guards, finishing in traffic, boxing out, and wiping the glass. Lawrence also showed a great deal of strength and stamina banging guys throughout the tourney – even when most players were clearly fatigued.

In his estimation, the move from the Big Apple to the land of the Liberty bell and cheese steak sandwiches has been very beneficial for Lawrence. “Transferring has helped my game a lot” he shared. “It got me tougher – physically tougher and mentally tougher…It was definitely a good look (the transfer). I needed to get mentally and physically tougher”. Those goals were clearly met.

Though Williams would go to prep school, he wants to avoid that, and sign before the summer is out. Presently, Lawrence revealed that “UTEP is my main school”, but that “a couple of other schools” have shown interest, with UTEP offering a scholarship.

Legitimate forwards willing to play with force in and around the paint are at a premium in college basketball. Given that fact, Lawrence will not go unsigned for long. Check back with i95Ballerz.com for updates on his AAU play, and recruitment.