According to our friend Chris Korman of the Herald Times/Hoosier Scoop, Mobile (AL) guard Nick Williams has signed with Indiana. IU is also confirming the signing in a press release:

Bloomington, Indiana – Indiana University men’s basketball coach Tom Crean has announced that Nick Williams, a 6-5, 205-lb. combo guard from LeFlore High School in Mobile, Alabama has signed a Big Ten Tender of Athletic Financial Aid to attend IU and play basketball for the Hoosiers beginning next fall. He was named Alabama High School Player of the Year earlier this spring.

“Nick really addresses a need for us and gives us a big, strong presence in the backcourt,” said Crean. “He is a winner who is tough and physical and he boasts a work ethic that has helped him improve his game in a variety of ways each year. He has done a wonderful job at making the transition as a perimeter player after beginning his career as an inside performer. He comes from an outstanding high school program and has been well coached throughout his career.”

Williams chose Indiana over Arkansas, Kansas State, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech and Alabama. He had originally signed a national letter of intent with Marquette earlier this fall, but was let out of his commitment when Coach Crean took over the IU program.

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Nick Williams, who originally signed with Marquette last fall, is reportedly considering the Hoosiers after being released from his Letter of Intent.

Tom Crean played a big part in bringing Williams to Milwaukee, but after Crean left for IU, Williams asked for and was granted his release.

Williams is also said to be considering Arkansas and visited Fayetteville this past weekend. Williams is 6-4, 215 lbs and is ranked the No. 145 player in the 2008 class by Rivals.com. He’s from LeFlore high school in Mobile, Alabama and was named the 6A player of the year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

Normally coaches do not pursue recruits that committed to their former school, but the interest in Indiana was reportedly sparked by Williams having a desire to play for Crean. Shortly after Crean’s departure, here’s what Williams told the Alabama Press Register:

“We were surprised by the news. It’s a great school, but coach Crean was the guy I wanted to play for and it didn’t turn out that way.”

Related:

• Williams a late recruiting coup for IU? (Hoosier Nation; subscription required)