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By KYLE LOVERN

Sports Editor

CHARLESTON - Former Logan High School star Paul Herbert Williamson, who played his college freshman season at West Virginia University, made decision on where he will transfer.

Williamson, the son of former Harts Creek and Marshall star Andy Paul Williamson, decided to transfer to the University of Charleston.

University of Charleston men’s basketball Coach Mark Downey had tried to recruit Williamson after his senior season at Logan, but a chance to play at WVU saw the Harts Creek native head up to Morgantown.

“We recruited him out of Logan, but like a lot of kids, he wanted to play Division I, and we don’t fault him for that,” said Downey. “He’s a West Virginia kid, a kid from Logan who will play a lot next season and put people in the seats.”

Following a high school career that included four years as a starter, almost 2,000 points, and a Class AAA state championship, Williamson walked on to play for Coach Bob Huggins at WVU.

Williamson is Logan High’s all-time leading scorer and an all-state selection.

Williamson cited his reasons for wanting to leave WVU, including the rigors of travel in Division I basketball, where the sport is more like a job than a sport.

“I’m not going to the NBA or anything, so it’s not like I need to play Division I,” said Williamson. “Coach Huggins said I had something special that not many guys have with my shooting, but I wanted to be close to home so that my friends and family can see me play.”

Huggins apparently urged Williamson to remain at WVU, but apparently the chance for more playing time and to be closer to home led to his decision.

“I like Coach Downey and UC is moving up and I’m excited to be a part of that,” Williamson added.

Last season for the NCAA Tournament-qualifying Mountaineers (19-14), Williamson appeared in 20 games, scoring 92 points and hitting seven of his 19 shot attempts. He was sixth on the team in 3-pointers made.

The most playing time he received came on Nov. 17, 2011 against Alcorn State when he played 19 minutes and finished with seven points, two assists and a blocked shot. He had two 3-pointers in the Mountaineers’ 97-62 victory, which also marked his first game action of the season.

(The AP contributed to this article)