Lincoln Williams
"6'7 220lbs, Varsity player at Loganville High School in Loganville, Georgia. C, SF 404-304-9811 Redline Athletics 2026"
Illinois
Rankings sourced from 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals. Learn how we aggregate data →
Scout Report
When college coaches talk about finding diamonds in smaller markets, they're talking about players like the 6-5 wing who's been quietly putting up numbers in Kankakee. Ranked 133rd nationally in the 2026 class, this Illinois commit has the kind of versatile skill set that translates immediately to high-major basketball.
Background
Lincoln Williams comes from Kankakee, Illinois, a blue-collar town about an hour south of Chicago that's produced its share of basketball talent over the years. Playing for Kankakee High School, Williams has developed into one of the premier wings in the state alongside teammate EJ Hazelett, who's headed to Indiana State. The duo has helped put their program on the map, with Williams emerging as the higher-rated prospect who caught the attention of Brad Underwood's staff at Illinois early in the process.
Playing Style
Williams plays with the kind of basketball IQ that coaches love in modern wings. He processes the game at a high level, making quick decisions with the ball and rarely forcing bad shots or passes. His 6-5 frame allows him to create mismatches on both ends, whether he's posting up smaller guards or using his mobility to stay with quicker players on defense. Williams excels in transition, showing good court vision to find teammates or finish plays himself. He's comfortable handling the ball in half-court sets but doesn't overdribble, understanding when to attack and when to move it along. The motor runs consistently on both ends, and he impacts winning in ways that don't always show up in the box score.
Strengths
Williams' greatest asset is his versatility and basketball feel. He can guard multiple positions effectively, using his length and lateral quickness to disrupt opposing offenses. His shooting stroke has improved significantly, and he's become a reliable threat from beyond the arc in catch-and-shoot situations. Williams also excels at reading the game flow, making timely cuts to the basket and finding open spaces in the defense. His rebounding from the wing position gives his team extra possessions, and he's shown the ability to push the pace after defensive boards.
Areas to Watch
Williams needs to continue developing his ability to create his own shot off the dribble, particularly against high-level athletes. Adding more explosion to his first step would help him get to the rim more consistently. His playmaking skills are solid but could use refinement to become a true secondary ball-handler at the college level.
Player Comparison
Williams reminds me of a young Trent Frazier during his Illinois days - similar size, basketball IQ, and ability to impact winning without needing the ball in his hands constantly. Like Frazier, Williams has the defensive versatility and shooting ability that makes him valuable in multiple lineups. The comparison fits because both players maximize their physical tools through smart play and understanding of team concepts.
Recruitment
Williams committed to Illinois over a strong field that included Arizona State, Virginia Tech, TCU, and UNLV among his 14 Division I offers. Brad Underwood's staff identified him early as a priority target, and the home-state connection helped seal the deal. His commitment came relatively early in the cycle, showing confidence in his fit within the Illini system. Illinois beat out several programs that were pushing hard, but the combination of playing close to home and Underwood's track record with similar players made the decision clear.
Projection
Williams projects as a versatile role player who could develop into a consistent starter by his junior or senior season at Illinois. His ceiling depends on how much his individual shot creation improves, but his floor is high due to his defensive ability and basketball IQ. He has the skill set that translates well to professional basketball overseas, though NBA potential would require significant development in his athletic explosion and ball-handling.
Updated Apr 4, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
Kankakee
PREP SCHOOL
Offers
14
Illinois
Committed
Chose Illinois over 13 other offers
Southern Illinois
North Texas
Arizona State
TCU
Virginia TechOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Social Activity
Can someone please send this to @cecewinans? My mom has stage 4 glioblastoma and had three brain surgeries, one removing the entire tumor in October. She loves Cece Winans and last night my dad walked in on my mom and she was singing this song. My mom is an inspiration. https://x.com/B_Williams2026/status/2000292130946990144/video/1
Men's Basketball Competing in Cumberlands Classic This Weekend. No. 25-ranked Grizzlies stand 8-2 on the season and have won five straight games. 📰 - https://t.co/f68hFE6S3M #ClawsOut https://t.co/fPouAYo5Il
GRIT player of the week last week was @1andonly_chasefrazier2 Proud of his effort vs Oconee County last week along with his effort at practice leading up to the game! https://t.co/aEUYEM1v8E
Proud to be a Red Devil! Had to find a way to win at the end against a tough and scrappy Oconee team! Have to get 1% better each day! #Grit #ForksUp @LHSAthl Brantley Carter led the way with 23 points, followed by @KadenDerbridge with 15, and Chase Frazier 14! https://t.co/ja75ObiPds
Red Devil Basketball opens up this Tuesday in the Inferno vs Oconee County. Varsity Girls 6:00/ Boys 7:30! https://t.co/8brb0AvQNQ