Four-star guard New Williams signs with Auburn

AUBURN -- Four-star guard Nuwr'iyl (New) Williams signed a National Letter of Intent with Auburn on Tuesday, becoming the first signee of Auburn's 2015 recruiting class, which is ranked 10th nationally

A 6-foot-2 guard from Santa Monica, California, Williams is ranked 32nd among all shooting guards in the country and 104th overall in the Top247.

"New Williams is a high major prospect both on and off the court," Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said in a statement. "He comes from a great family, has a great work ethic and a great foundation. Had he not undergone ACL surgery last spring that kept him out for the summer, he would have been recruited by all the Pac-12 schools."

Pearl said Auburn plays to play Williams at point guard, where the Tigers will return Tahj Shamsid-Deen and transfer Kareem Canty after this season.

Williams, who missed his junior year due to in injury, plays at Santa Monica High and for Earl Watson Elite for AAU. He committed on Aug. 31, the last of four players to commit to the Tigers in a nine-day span.

Auburn is awaiting NLIs from Horace Spender, Danjel Purifoy and T.J. Dunans.

Pearl credited director of basketball operations Todd Golden, who recruited Williams while Pearl served his NCAA show-cause until Aug. 23.