In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves across the college basketball landscape, Elijah “EJ” Williams, the No. 1 high school basketball player in the nation, announced his commitment to Michigan State University on Saturday morning — a decision that few saw coming.
Williams, a 6’9” forward out of Oak Hill Academy (VA), was widely expected to join one of the traditional basketball blue bloods like Duke, Kansas, or Kentucky. Instead, he chose the Spartans in what analysts are calling a “program-changing commitment” for head coach Tom Izzo, who is entering his 31st season at the helm.
In a nationally televised press conference, Williams addressed the media and explained his surprising choice.
“I wanted to go somewhere where I could be more than just another name on a long list of NBA-bound guys,” Williams said. “At Michigan State, I felt seen, I felt valued — not just as a player, but as a person. Coach Izzo has built something special, and I want to be part of a team that works, not one that just expects things to happen because of hype.”
Williams cited his recent visit to East Lansing as a turning point in his decision-making process. “The culture blew me away. The way the players support each other, the energy in the gym, even the fans I met — it just felt real. I knew right then it wasn’t just about legacy. It was about building one.”
Recruiting insiders are calling the commitment one of the biggest coups in recent memory. Not since Magic Johnson donned the green and white has Michigan State landed a prospect ranked this high nationally. Already, merchandise sales have spiked, and the team’s social media pages have exploded with excitement from fans.
Coach Izzo, who has mentored several NBA stars including Draymond Green and Jaren Jackson Jr., called Williams “a once-in-a-decade type of player with the humility and hunger of a walk-on.”
With Williams in the fold, Michigan State is now projected as a top contender for the 2025-2026 NCAA championship. But for EJ, it’s about something more.
“I’m not chasing fame,” he said, smiling. “I’m chasing greatness — Spartan style.”
And just like that, the college basketball world has a new headline — and the Spartans have their new superstar.
