Rick Pitino can still recruit even amid the biggest scandal in the history of Louisville’s athletic department. The Cardinals got a commitment from big man Malik Williams on Thursday, a 6’11 big out of Fort Wayne, Ind. Williams is ranked as the No. 32 player in his class by 247 Sports and is Louisville’s first commitment in 2017.
4-star recruit Malik Williams commits to Louisville amid NCAA scandal
The Fort Wayne, Ind. native is going to Louisville.
Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Ricky O'Donnell has covered basketball at all levels for more than a decade at SB Nation. He’s currently the Associate Director of Programming.
Williams announced his commitment on Twitter:
I would like to thank all schools that recruited me but I will be committing to the University of Louisville #L1C4 pic.twitter.com/CDZxEZydc2
— Malik Williams (@leek_willi34) August 4, 2016
He chose the Cardinals over Purdue, Michigan State, Indiana and others.
Williams visited Louisville on Tuesday and committed hours later. He joins a potentially crowded frontcourt rotation that already includes Mangok Mathiang, Matz Stockman, Jaylen Johnson and Raymond Spalding.
Williams’ commitment shows a major NCAA scandal looming over the program hasn’t impacted Pitino’s ability to recruit just yet. Williams is the Cardinals’ second major commitment since the scandal broke, joining class of 2016 wing V.J. King, a five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, according to ESPN.
Louisville tried to get out in front of the NCAA’s punishment by taking a self-imposed postseason ban last year. The NCAA is still reportedly reviewing the case and has yet to issue its punishment on the program.
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