PC notebook: Wiliams transfer to NAIA power in Montana

From the sun to the snow, former Porterville College basketball player Alton Williams has recently transferred to NAIA-power Montana State University-Northern.

Williams is one of two mid-season redshirts, waiting to play for the small college in Havre, Montana — a town 20 minutes from the Canadian border.

He took his first-ever plane flight on Dec. 8 and spent three days visiting the campus and working out with the team. One day after his return to Porterville, Williams received the phone call he was waiting for from head coach Shawn Huse.

“Coach said we like your game and we would like you to join our program,” said Williams. “I was surprised at first, but super excited to find another home for basketball.”

It’s been quite a journey for Williams, a 20-year-old from Fresno.

After a stellar prep career at Central High School, where he was a first-team All-Valley selection as a senior, Williams considered playing at Fresno City College or Reedley College. Until one day, he received a phone call from Porterville College athletic director Eric Mendoza. Even without a head coach at the time, Mendoza convinced Williams to become a Pirate.

“I took a chance on Porterville College, and it paid off in many ways,” Williams said. “Coach (T.J.) Jennings came in and started moving the program in the right direction. I learned a great deal about basketball and life from coach Jennings.”

Jennings was surprised Williams didn’t receive more scholarship offers after a solid two years at PC.

“A lot of programs look at his size and underestimate what Alton brings to the table,” Jennings said.

“Alton is tough and competitive. We look forward to following the rest of his career, as he makes us proud.”

Williams, who made a name for himself as a shooting guard (averaging 12 points per game last season for PC), was asked to play point guard his freshman season — a position he will return to next year for the MSU-Northern Lights.

“It’s not my natural position, but I understand that being under 6-foot, I need to handle the ball more at the four-year level,” he said. “What I learned at PC and playing in the CVC has helped prepare me for competition.”

The Lights are currently 20-3 and ranked No. 10 in the nation. Williams is able to practice with the team and sit the bench during games.

In the meantime, Williams, a business major, is also on track to finish his bachelor’s degree before his senior season even starts. 

Although it snows often and drops below 15 degrees, Williams finds comfort in his new dorm room, the library, or gymnasium. 

He said he misses his family and friends, but is looking forward to the next two-and-a-half years in Montana.

“I feel very lucky for a chance to play at this level and earn my college degree,” he said Wednesday, just as he was walking across campus to a team film session.

“This place reminds me a lot of Porterville. It’s a small town with nice people, and that’s the main reason I wanted to be here.”

From the sun to the snow, former Porterville College basketball player Alton Williams has recently transferred to NAIA-power Montana State University-Northern.

Williams is one of two mid-season redshirts, waiting to play for the small college in Havre, Montana — a town 20 minutes from the Canadian border.

He took his first-ever plane flight on Dec. 8 and spent three days visiting the campus and working out with the team. One day after his return to Porterville, Williams received the phone call he was waiting for from head coach Shawn Huse.

“Coach said we like your game and we would like you to join our program,” said Williams. “I was surprised at first, but super excited to find another home for basketball.”

It’s been quite a journey for Williams, a 20-year-old from Fresno.

After a stellar prep career at Central High School, where he was a first-team All-Valley selection as a senior, Williams considered playing at Fresno City College or Reedley College.

Until one day, he received a phone call from Porterville College athletic director Eric Mendoza.

Even without a head coach at the time, Mendoza convinced Williams to become a Pirate.

“I took a chance on Porterville College, and it paid off in many ways,” Williams said. “Coach (T.J.) Jennings came in and started moving the program in the right direction. I learned a great deal about basketball and life from coach Jennings.”

Jennings was surprised Williams didn’t receive more scholarship offers after a solid two years at PC.

“A lot of programs look at his size and underestimate what Alton brings to the table,” Jennings said.

“Alton is tough and competitive. We look forward to following the rest of his career, as he makes us proud.”

Williams, who made a name for himself as a shooting guard (averaging 12 points per game last season for PC), was asked to play point guard his freshman season — a position he will return to next year for the MSU-Northern Lights.

“It’s not my natural position, but I understand that being under 6-foot, I need to handle the ball more at the four-year level,” he said. “What I learned at PC and playing in the CVC has helped prepare me for competition.”

The Lights are currently 20-3 and ranked No. 10 in the nation. Williams is able to practice with the team and sit the bench during games.

In the meantime, Williams, a business major, is also on track to finish his bachelor’s degree before his senior season even starts. 

Although it snows often and drops below 15 degrees, Williams finds comfort in his new dorm room, the library, or gymnasium. 

He said he misses his family and friends, but is looking forward to the next two-and-a-half years in Montana.

“I feel very lucky for a chance to play at this level and earn my college degree,” he said Wednesday, just as he was walking across campus to a team film session.

“This place reminds me a lot of Porterville. It’s a small town with nice people, and that’s the main reason I wanted to be here.”