According to an e-mail message I received last night from his mother, Tuckahoe senior Sky Williams will play basketball at Manhattan College.
The Tigers’ all-time leading scorer led the section in scoring, averaging 27.8 points to go along with 6.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.8 steals per game. He helped Tuckahoe finish 25-0 and win just the second state championship in program history — its first in 31 years.
Along the way, Manhattan was the most aggressive pursuer among Division I schools. Although Williams will attend Manhattan as a preferred walk-on, he expects to have an opportunity to earn a scholarship.
“They really wanted me,” he said.
Williams, a 6-foot-2 guard, visited Manhattan and worked out at Draddy Gymnasium this spring. It gave him the confidence to believe he could play at that level.
“They’re a fast-tempo team and I like playing at a fast tempo,” he said. “I worked out with the team and I got to see its style of play. I think I’m really going to like it.”
It’s a dream realized for Williams, who not only coveted a chance a Division I school, but who grew up in the shadow of Manhattan’s Riverdale campus before his family moved to Tuckahoe. He attended basketball camp there as a kid when Bobby Gonzalez coached the Jaspers.
“When I was little, I always looked up to the players at the camp. I always wanted to be one of them,” said Williams, who lived in Riverdale until he was 8. “It’s a funny coincidence that I’m going to Manhattan now.”
9 Comments
GOOD LUCK AND REMEMBER”SKIES”THE LIMIT
CONGRATS!!.. GOOD JOB!!
Definition of a Preferred Walk-on: Recruited Walk On: A “recruited walk-on” is a player that is recruited for a spot on a given team, but not offered a scholarship. This might happen if the team in question is out of scholarships, or if the player in question is independently wealthy. Some programs refer to these players as “preferred walk-ons.” These players might also have an “off the books” agreement that they’ll get a scholarship when one becomes available.
I wish Sky well.
great to see another section 1 kid earn his keep! Wood hope the summer is going well!
HRs,
What is up,happy 4th,are you happy with the team picked to represent section 1
IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT THE DEFINITION OF A PREFERRED WALKON IS!!.. IT’S NICE TO SEE A SEC1 PLAYER GOING TO THE NEXT LEVEL!!!...
BY THE WAY CAN YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN YOUR POINT!!!!!.... IN EXPLAINING TO US THE DEFINITION!!... (imo your definition was trying to steal his joy!!)
I did not know that a prospective student athlete could go and “work out with the team” before signing. The rules must have been relaxed over the years—but it should not constitute as a tryout of sorts.
Wood.. 4th was great. Thanks for asking. I am not seeing the team you picked? Is it in another thread? One kid to really watch this year is the Degnan kid from Pearl River. You are going to like his game.
Great news! Congratulations Sky!!