In three years at Duke University, defenders had few options in guarding Jay Williams. Take away his right hand, he would score with his left. Take away his drive, he'd drain a three. But at tonight's game against North Carolina, the rafters in Cameron will finally Catch-22.
The two-time national player of the year who led the Blue Devils to the 2001 national championship will have his No. 22 jersey retired, becoming the 11th Duke player to receive the honor.
"I am honored that Duke has chosen to recognize me in this way," Willams said in a statement. "Duke is a place with such amazing tradition. To have a banner with my number hanging among some of the truly great college basketball players in history will be a tremendous honor for me and my family."
Graduating in three years with a degree in sociology, Williams is the first Duke player to receive this honor without completing his four years of varsity eligibility. Despite not playing for his senior season as the rest of the Duke legends did, the decision to eternally honor Williams was an easy one.
"It's the only decision," head coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "I'm not sure a lot of people realize that a jersey here cannot be retired until a kid graduates. Jason--he's still Jason--he deserves it."
Although the retirement ceremony brings closure to Williams' spectacular career, things were far from stable when the New Jersey native first arrived on campus in the fall of 1999.
In the season prior to Williams' freshman year, a youthful Duke team dominated college basketball until Connecticut upset the Blue Devils in the national championship game. Senior sharp-shooter Trajan Langdon was the only expected departure from that team, but after national player of the year Elton Brand, point-guard William Avery and freshman six-man Corey Maggette left for the NBA and reserve center Chris Burgess transferred to Utah, the cupboard was nearly bare as Williams eagerly arrived in Durham.
Given the starting point-guard job immediately, Williams gave Blue Devil fans plenty of doubts about their team, which just months before appeared to be on the brink of becoming a dynasty, after his poor play led to an 0-2 start.
Williams quickly learned the college game, however, eventually winning National Freshman of the Year honors from the Sporting News and the ACC tournament's MVP award.
It was not until Williams' sophomore year, though, that the former McDonald's All-American earned legendary status.
In a consensus All-American season, Williams averaged 21.6 points per game en route to winning the National Association of Basketball Coaches Player of he Year Award and leading the Blue Devils to the national championship.
"His accomplishments speak for themselves," Krzyzewski said. "When those spirits come down from Cameron 50 years from now, and they're all matching their records, Jay can put his cards on the table with any of the other guys who are up there."
Williams returned for his junior year and flourished once again, being named consensus national player of the year. Although the defending national champions finished the season on a low note by losing to Indiana in the Sweet 16, Williams proudly finished his academic career by graduating in three years via summer school.
"He honored his commitment to the University, and to himself," Krzyzewski said.
Williams was selected as the No. 2 pick in the NBA draft in June 2000, but is struggling through his first season, averaging only 9.2 points per game.
But according to his former teammates, Williams is satisfied with his decision to leave Duke for the riches of the NBA.
"I've talked to him two or three times about what's happening in Chicago," former classmate and current Duke center Casey Sanders said. "I think he's pleased with his decision."
No matter what Williams does outside of Duke, the program will forever embrace his jersey, thankful for all the great memories he created.
"I hope we play well for him," Krzyzewski said.
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