Recruiting Report: Tujautae Williams (2019)

Tujautae Williams made an impression in the Twin Cities playing well against some of the better teams from the state of Minnesota.  He also added an offer from the Minnesota Gopher program. 

Chicago wing Tujautae Williams has been steadily hearing from the Minnesota staff the past half-year.  This past weekend while in the Twin Cities for the Above the Rim Classic, Williams put up 18 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists in a win over #2 ranked Minneapolis North. A Gopher offer followed.

"I’m excited and grateful for the offer from Minnesota," Williams said.  "I always loved Minnesota's style of play, and they have been recruiting me for about four months now. I have a great relationship with the coaches and I think the program fits me well."

Williams made a strong impression with the Chicago Demons this past spring and summer.  Williams was in the Twin Cities for the Battle at the Lakes event last May plus he was back in Minneapolis with Chicago Orr High School playing Hopkins and North on back to back nights.

"I remember being in the Twin Cities a couple times this year," Williams stated.  "It looks very peaceful and quiet.  I didn't really get a chance to explore the Twin Cities that much yet though."

Just this past week Williams scored 15 points, 10 rebounds and had eight blocks in a win over Lincoln Parl.  Williams also had 26 in a recent big win over Cardinal Ritter.

Williams is ranked 16th in the state of Illinois by Prep Hoops Illinois.  Williams is also ranked 311th nationally by Prep Hoops. PHI analyst Scott Burgess said the following after recent viewings of Williams.

"The state’s second best unsigned senior showed his immense talent," Burgess said of Williams.  "At 6-foot-6 Williams has size to play and guard multiple wing spots at the next level.  Long and lanky body.  He attacks with force.  At times he can be a bit out of control. 

"Such an explosive athlete going down the lane.  He connected on a pair of mid-range jumpers pulling up off the bounce.  That is the area he has to prove he can be consistent.  Solid job on the boards as well.  Williams went for 12 points (5-14 FG) and 9 rebounds."

Gopher assistant Rob Jeter has been in regular contact with Williams.

"Coach Jeter seems like a great person, a real honest person," Williams said.  "He's always straight with me about my game and what I need to do to improve as a player, as well as how I would fit with Minnesota.  And I love his desire to win. Minnesota has been in to see me five times."

The Williams offer list includes Texas Tech, DePaul, Detroit, Milwaukee, and others.  

At the moment Williams plans to play out the season and then look into his college options in the spring.  

"I plan on taking the rest of my college visits after the season is over," Tujautae said. "I'm looking for the right environment for me, a safe environment."

Williams was named a Top 250 Expo Second team All American by Prep Hoops this fall based on his play in the series of Top 250 Expo events.