Lubbock native makes ESPN 60 list for 2022

If there’s something that every sports program loves it’s a hometown kid with real grit. In Lubbock there are four main high schools to help fuel that pipeline. Only a couple of years ago Jarrett Culver rose from Coronado High School to summit at Texas Tech’s National Championship appearance. It made for a strong Lubbock story and always earned an easy rise from fans when hearing “from Lubbock, Texas... Jarrett Culver!” Now, only a few years later, we’re hearing the rumbles of another Lubbock native making waves in the recruiting landscape.

Kiante Williams is in the 2022 recruiting class as a small forward from Estacado High School. Standing at 6’8, Williams is considered an incredibly versatile defensive player with strong shooting abilities - not that you need to tell Beard any of that. Coach Beard has already had his eye on Williams for some time; hosting the young Matador for a visit during the Kentucky game earlier this year.

In the latest publication of the ESPN 60, which gives a ranking of the top 60 basketball players around the country, Williams’ name popped up at no. 45 overall. There’s no current 247 profile for Williams but ESPN has him (updated) as a four-star recruit, and one of the best available in the state. While there haven’t been many schools to our knowledge that have reached out to Williams so far, you can expect that the ESPN 60 will give Williams a steady increase until an ultimate opening of the flood gates.

ESPN 60 selections 43-47: