Ashton Williamson believes success is achieved through hard work. It’s the main reason he committed to Iowa Basketball on Wednesday.

“I feel like I can be pushed and coached the right way,” the Florida International guard transfer told Hawk Fanatic. “That’s important to me because if I can’t be pushed or coached the right way, I won’t ever reach my full potential, in my opinion.”

New Hawkeye coach Ben McCollom brought much of his staff with him from Drake to Iowa City. That helped in landing Williamson.

“My relationship with the Iowa staff is so good because they’ve been recruiting and watching me for about two or three years now. So, over time, I built a little relationship that I felt was genuine after we talked in person,” the Gary, Ind. native said.

Williamson (6-2, 170) matriculated through the 21st Century Academy in Gary before spending a graduate year at Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas. He signed with FIU last May, which was late in the recruiting process.

As a freshman this past season, Williamson appeared in 33 games, starting 16 of them. He averaged 7.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals, handing out 89 assists with 63 turnovers. He shot 39.4 percent from the floor, 32.9 on 3-pointers and 68.6 at the foul line.

“Iowa really didn’t break it down how they will utilize me for next season, but I do know they mentioned they needed another point guard. I’m pretty sure they believed I was the guard they were looking for,” he said.

Drake transfer Bennett Stirtz, an All-American honorable mention last season, is expected to be the Hawkeyes’ starting lead guard. He has one year of college eligibility remaining, while Williamson has three.

“What I think I will add to the program is a dog on the court that’s ready to win. I’m also a great person off the court. I’m very open and will speak to anybody who wants to talk,” Williamson said.

Sunrise coach Chris Popp looks forward to watching his former pupil learn under McCollom.

“I hope it works out there. I’ve known Mac a long time, coached against him and know what he does with point guards. Ash will have a chance to be big time under his tutelage,” Popp said.

Williamson embraces his new basketball opportunity and the one he’ll be afforded academically at a Big Ten university. He’s still undecided on a major.

“I have been looking into Business and Marketing, and a little bit of Sports Management. I feel the Business Marketing will help with a lot after basketball, like it will help me pursue real estate,” he said.

“Sports Management could help me stay involved with basketball. I would want to learn to do what (TV analyst Shaquille O’Neal) does on the broadcast.”

Williamson appreciates being back in the upper Midwest after a year in the Sunshine State. Gary is 250 miles from his new campus.

“It’s close to home. My family can always catch a home game,” he said.