Findlay Prep's Nigel Williams-Goss makes his case as nation's best

Next Marcus Smart

Beyond offensive prowess, defense may be his strength, Simon says. Add his basketball IQ and ability to perform in the clutch, and his status as a blue chip recruit has been secured. 

He's made at least four game-winners for the Pilots in his career.

"He's got such heart and will," Simon said. "He's a phenomenal defender – a lockdown defender. He does everything right. He's just a program builder."

Despite all that praise, he's not considered an elite recruit. MaxPreps basketball editor Jason Hickman has him a five-star recruit and ranked No. 28 overall in the country, which is higher than any other national recruiting outlet.

He compares him with current Oklahoma State freshman Marcus Smart.

"The body types are a little different and they are different type of athletes, but in terms of intangibles, he may be the Marcus Smart of his class," Hickman said.

"Nigel isn't a pure shooter or scorer, but has taken over scoring-wise in some big situations. He defends like crazy, seems like a well-adjusted young man and I anticipate him being hugely successful at Washington."

Williams-Goss believes his body of work hasn't been fully appreciated by those who rank high school players. He was the only returning starter for the Pilots, who have quickly jelled.

"In my opinion, I'm not as high as I think I should be," he said. "Not based on my performance. There's just a lot of doubters who don't believe in me. I think that's why every time I step on the court, I have to prove myself."

He doesn't need to prove himself to Hickman.

"I think Nigel is an incredible success story," Hickman said. "He had a lot of eyeballs on him at an early age, took the criticism and whispers in stride as he came up through the Findlay Prep program."

So Williams-Goss continues to work.

Before he arrives at Washington, "I definitely have to work on my left hand in the paint. That and my mid-range game."

It never stops for Williams-Goss or his dreams.

He says his biggest personal motivation isn't recruiting rankings or his Findlay Prep legacy. It's his family who jumped all-in with him for this ride to Henderson.

"They not only taught me how to live the right way, but they've sacrificed so much for me," he said. "I want to give back to them. One day I would love to give back and pay them back financially (and play professionally).

"That would be the cherry on top."