Unsigned Senior Basti Williams Talks First Month of MHC and Recruitment

The class of 2025 continues to be a point of focus for college coaches well into the next month. Between the transfer portal and remaining high school prospects, there are still plenty of players looking for the right college program to call home. CM3 Elite guard Basti Williams is one of those 2025s, and is hoping to find the right fit to call home in the coming weeks.

A transfer to the Knox school to play for former Bryant head man Jared Grasso for his final year of prep basketball has seen Williams pick up a handful of division two and division three offers over the last few months. 

“I decided to transfer to Knox because of the player development staff and the exposure the program offers. Playing under a former Division I coach was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Coach Grasso ran the program like a college team and held us to a high standard, which led to us going 33-5 on the national stage. Playing for Knox has helped me develop both my game and my body to a higher level, while being surrounded by teammates who are striving for the same goals as me.,” said Williams. 

The New York native is working hard on his game with the hopes of showing a college program both what he brings to the floor already and how he will likely continue to improve once he gets into a college program, as well as what players he is currently studying. 

“Lately, I’ve been working on improving my ability to attack going left and extending my shooting range from the perimeter. I’ve also focused on building a “next play” mentality—learning not to dwell on the last play and staying locked in throughout the game. I bring versatility to a college program by being an off-guard who can play both guard spots, as well as defend positions 1 through 4 due to my size and defensive ability,…I watch a lot of Aaron Estrada, Max Shulga, RayJ Dennis, and Coby White. I feel like they’re all shifty guards—not overly athletic—but they use their body and pace really well to get to their spots. I try to replicate parts of their game in mine.” he said. 

Playing with CM3 on the MADE Hoops Circuit, Williams hopes to show the circuit and college coaches alike what he’s capable of. Playing with a number of talented players from around the city with dreams of playing in college themselves, Williams has established himself as one of their more integral players through the first month of play. 

“The goal for CM3 is to go undefeated during the May Live period. We’re still building chemistry and learning each other’s strengths, but we’re working toward enhancing those strengths so we can showcase the best version of every player. With everyone embracing the “We over Me” mentality, we play for each other, which makes us stronger on both ends of the floor. CP, KJ, and Coach K have a clear vision for me at CM3, and I believe I can achieve my goals with them in my corner—especially if I continue to handle business. They’re great people who genuinely care about the players and the organization.” Williams said of his new team.

A handful of college programs are recruiting the combo guard, who is carefully listening and evaluating the options on the table before making a college decision. He broke down where things currently stand for him. 

“In the fall, I took visits to Norfolk State and Columbia. Recently, I’ve received several Division II offers across a few different conferences. A number of coaches have also expressed strong interest in me to Coach Hoyte and plan to watch me during the live period. Now that the transfer portal has closed, I also plan to attend open runs at several local Division I programs, including St. Peter’s and Wagner.” he said. 

CM3 will make the trip up to New England for Spring Clash this weekend and look to continue the positive momentum built by a 2-1 showing this past weekend at NYC Clash. Look for Williams to continue to build right alongside them as he sorts out which college program he will ultimately call home.

---