The sometimes befuddling, sometimes controversial but always interesting Syracuse men’s basketball saga of DeShaun Williams finally ended yesterday.

Williams finalized an agreement with Iona — a private school in New Rochelle, just north of New York City — that will allow him to play for the Gaels in 2003-04, Iona head coach Jeff Ruland said last night. Williams will take a full course load this semester as he sits out the season because of NCAA transfer rules.

“He’s excited,” Ruland said. “He’s been through a lot.”

Williams, a shooting guard, averaged 15.9 points for the Orangemen last season. He would have been the leading scorer among returning players.

Because Iona already handed out five scholarships, Williams will take out loans and apply for financial aid to pay his tuition this year, Ruland said. The coach added that Williams will receive a scholarship when he starts playing for the Gaels.

Williams could not be reached for comment.

Ruland, who was made aware of Williams’ situation in July by longtime friend and Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim, said Williams seems committed to earning his degree.

“He’s going to take out some loans and be a regular student,” Ruland said. “He’s convinced me that he’s sincere about doing this. The degree comes first.”

At Syracuse, the guillotine finally fell on Williams in July when he was kicked out of the College of Human Services and Health Professions for academic troubles. Before that, Williams waded into trouble several times. He served a three-game suspension last November for driving while ability impaired, and July 2 he was acquitted of assault charges stemming from a fight at Konrad’s.

Williams could have returned to Syracuse had he enrolled at another college and earned a B average. Or, he could have redshirted the 2002-03 season, improved his grades and come back for a final year of eligibility.

Published on August 29, 2002 at 12:00 pm