Randy Peterson

rpeterson@dmreg.com

Darien Williams has big plans that go well beyond finally getting on a basketball court again. Iowa State's newest recruit wants it all.

"No reason we can't win the national championship this year, and then next year when I get there," Williams said. "That's where I see the program."

Officially, Williams won't become a "we" until joining the Cyclones next season.

"And I can't wait to get there and get going," said the 6-foot-8 Williams, who returned his national letter of intent on Wednesday.

A 220-pound wing player, Williams averaged 16.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and made 41.1 percent of his 90 3-point attempts last season at Iowa Western of Council Bluffs.

He's sitting out this season after undergoing operations on both shoulders – one in July, and the other last month. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

"Both shoulders were loose," Williams said. "They're tightened up now."

As good as new, he says.

"I'm shooting better now than I was back when I was playing," Williams said. "Conditioning-wise, I'll be fine."

Williams accepted Fred Hoiberg's scholarship offer in April, before the other schools looking at him – Nebraska, Southern Cal, Kansas State and Louisville among them – even offered a scholarship.

"If you know where you want to go, then why wait?" Williams asked. "Iowa State is where I want to be."

Williams is ideal for Hoiberg's system – a tall player who runs the floor well, and with an ability to make 3-pointers. He has mismatch potential.

"For me, and hopefully Iowa State, it's a perfect fit," Williams said. "It's the style of basketball that I like. The quicker the tempo we play, the better."

After this season, the Cyclones lose 6-6 Dustin Hogue, 6-6 Bryce Dejean-Jones, and 6-8 Daniel Odozie. Hallice Cooke, a 6-3 guard, is sitting out after transferring from Oregon State.

And by this time next year, Williams will be champing at the bit to play.

"Do you know how long it's been since I haven't played basketball?" the personable Williams asked. "A long time. I've been playing ball every day since I was 5."

So how's he planning to spend this season?

"I'll watch basketball, either on TV or in person, every game I can," said Williams, who is attending classes this school year at City College of San Francisco. "The University of San Francisco is out here; I'll go to some of their games, too."