Recruiting Report: Austin Wills (2017)
Benton senior Austin Wills stands at 6’2” with quality athleticism. Tight handles in traffic and everything he does is crisp and with a purpose. Knows how to get to the spots on the floor he wants to get his shot off. Free and easy release on his jump shot with range out to beyond the college three point arc. Plus shooter off the catch. Can also handle it off the bounce with slick drives through traffic. Crafty finisher at the rim that has the body control to get buckets in the paint. Pressure defender that gets up in his man and has the quickness to recover if he does get beat initially. Wills is a prospect that is being recruited by D2 programs and is also getting lots of D3/NAIA looks.
The guard spoke about the improvements in his game this season.
“I think being able to break down guys off the dribble. My quickness has really improved. Being able to get to the rim. Last year I was a good shooter, but I thought about it at times too much. This year I am shooting and not really worried about it. If I miss a couple I keep shooting.”
What does he feel he can bring to a team at the next level?
“I think definitely spot up shooting. Taking guys off the dribble. One thing I know I have to improve is my strength. I have to get stronger for the next level. I think I can get up and guard guys. I think I am underrated as a defender.”
He updated us on his recruitment.
“I visited Trevecca Nazarene. It was me and Quinton Green from Ohio. Coach Harris sat us down and said we were major priorities for him and that he wanted to offer us. It was a really humbling experience to get that first offer out of the way and gets the weight off your shoulders. I really like the campus and it is my top choice right now.”
What did he like about their coaching staff at Trevecca?
“I think they let their guys play. They space the floor. The coach said he wants to open it up and play a Golden State type offense. Guys shooting and playing off guys in the post. I think I could come in and impact the team as a freshman.”
Wills mentioned another D2 program is showing interest.
“I am planning on visiting McKendree sometime in March. I have talked to them a lot. They seem like they want me to come workout and visit campus. Probably them and a lot of D3’s are in there. Since the offer came I don’t know about all that. I am just going to play the season out.”
Wills ran with the Illinois Bears. Look for this southern Illinois scorer to make a rise in the final PrepHoopsIllinois rankings.