PITTSBURGH – Robert Morris made a major splash Monday with a ripple effect heard all around the Pittsburgh area. The Colonials landed one of their biggest recruits in program history when LSU guard Justice Williams chose RMU, bringing his four-star talent to Hoop Township.
“I’m definitely excited,” Williams said. “Coming in with a good coach in Coach [Andy] Toole, definitely a good group of guys and proximity as well. I’m familiar with the territory and the city.”
A 6-foot-4, 175-pound Philadelphia native, Williams ranked as the No. 34 overall recruit by Rivals.com and No. 55 by 247 Sports before committing to LSU. During his recruiting process, Williams held offers from Alabama, Auburn, UConn, Georgetown, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Miami, Ole Miss, Purdue, Villanova, and Georgia Tech. Pitt was also interested in him but ultimately selected the Colonials as his Pittsburgh home.
“In terms of comfortability, my level is very high,” Williams said. “I’m familiar with the state. I haven’t had much time in Pittsburgh, but it has some similarities to Philadelphia.”
Williams praised Toole and his involvement with the RMU community. He entered the portal following his freshman year but opted to stay a Tiger. RMU did not previously recruit him out of Monteverde Academy, but once he entered the portal for a second time, Williams found his fit.
“I felt like it was a great match,” Williams said. “In terms of personalities, my play style and how they play, it was the right style.”
In two seasons at LSU, the sophomore guard averaged 2.6 points, 1.1 rebounds and totaled 20 steals in 43 games. Williams started seven of the 23 games he appeared in this past season and averaged 3.3 points and 1.4 rebounds in nearly 16 minutes per game. He learned multiple important lessons during his first two collegiate seasons and wants to bring a ‘winning culture’ from the SEC.
“Just the maturity aspect of the game,” Williams said. “More so on the court and off the court. Always being consistent with your habits [to succeed]… Having that comradery with the guys and chemistry to win games.
“A mentality. Talent always speaks for itself, but the main thing is my mentality. Preparation going into games and how you carry yourself after games, as well.”
The buzz around the RMU campus has felt the shockwaves of a Power 6 conference player set to take the court for the 2023-24 season. One RMU student told PSN that excitement was high once Williams announced his commitment, pumped up to see what the LSU transfer could do in the Colonials’ fourth Horizon League season.
“That’s music to my ears,” Williams said. “On my side, it’s definitely reciprocated. I want to have fun this year, bring everybody out to the games, and win games for the community.”
He has spoken to multiple RMU players since joining the Colonials, discussing mostly topics outside of basketball. Entering Moon Township as a junior, Williams looks to become a veteran leader capable of commanding the offense.
“It’s big for me,” Williams said. “I feel like the work I’m putting in for this upcoming season, that’s something that’s deserved, but also, I have to prove on my end. Also, for the other guys on my team, they’ll also help me as well too.”
Robert Morris finished the 2022-23 campaign 16-17 overall and 10-10 in Horizon League play. The Colonials played well at home (11-4) but struggled on the road (5-10) and fell in overtime to Cleveland State in the Horizon League Tournament quarterfinals. Star guards Enoch Cheeks and Michael Green III entered the transfer portal, and forward Kahliel Spear is out of eligibility, creating a void of 40 points per game left to replace three of RMU’s top four scorers. So, what is RMU getting?
“They’re definitely going to get a leader, a hard worker, and someone whose consistent.”
