It would be hard for people who never experienced Jason Williams’ run at Duke to understand just how good he was. He was built like a fire hydrant, short by basketball standards, really strong, and with a low center of gravity. He was also explosive as hell.
Take this game against Kentucky in the 2001 Jimmy V Classic.
Williams just exploded on the Wildcats, scoring 38 points, including 7 three-point shots in a 95-92 overtime win over Kentucky.
You get some kind of an idea of just how dominant he was from this clip, but it’s really hard to understand how he could electrify an arena.
He was a breathtaking talent. In Duke history, Zion Williamson was as explosive, more actually, but once you get past him, who was in the same class? Maybe Johnny Dawkins. Maybe you could argue Cooper Flagg. Dahntay Jones was as athletic. Kyrie Irving was off the charts, but we only saw him in seven games at Duke.
Now toss in his shooting ability. JJ Redick was the greatest shooter in Duke history. Bob Verga is mostly forgotten today but he could shoot the eyes out of the basket in the 1960’s. Luke Kennard? Grayson Allen?
None of them could pair that level of shooting with the immense athleticism Williams brought to Duke Basketball.
Incidentally, it might not register immediately, but Cameron Boozer’s dad, Carlos, was a teammate and classmate of Williams’. He’s wearing #4.
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