American · Belle, West Virginia · Born 10 September 1981Jason 'Jay' Williams led Duke to the 2001 NCAA title and won back-to-back NABC Player of the Year honors before an NBA career cut short by a motorcycle accident.
Jason Williams was born in Belle, West Virginia in 1981. He attended Duke University under coach Mike Krzyzewski and became one of the most exciting players in college basketball. He won the national championship in 2001 alongside Shane Battier. He was a two-time All-American and ACC Player of the Year in 2002. He averaged 18.8 points and 6.4 assists per game across three seasons. His playing style — fearless off-the-dribble attacks, pull-up threes from the logo, no-look passes at full speed — made him one of the most entertaining college guards of his era. New Jersey Nets selected him second overall in the 2002 NBA Draft. His professional career was abbreviated after a motorcycle accident without a helmet in 2003 that resulted in serious injury. He returned to play but was never the same athlete. His Duke career — three years of spectacular, creative basketball culminating in a national championship — represents some of the most individually thrilling college basketball of the early 2000s.
Leading Duke to the 2001 NCAA championship and winning consecutive national player of the year awards
How They Played
Explosive point guard with exceptional court vision, three-point shooting ability, and highlight-reel passing
Lasting Impact
One of the most exciting college players of his era who successfully transitioned to NBA championship success
Career Honours
- NCAA champion 2001
- National Player of the Year 2002
- 2x NABC Player of the Year 2001, 2002
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Duke Blue Devils | 1999–2002 | 101 |
American Athletes