http://stjohns.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=865757October 20, 2008
Dan Painter
TerrapinTimes.com
Let it not be said that Jordan Williams isn't a man of his word.
The text alarm sounded tonight and the message was, "Hey, how you doing? Just wanted you to know that I just committed to Maryland."
To all Maryland hoops fans, those words are indeed a welcome sound. Desperate for a low post scoring threat, the 6-9, 245 lb insider from Torrington, CT made his verbal pledge to Assistant Coach Chuck Driesell Monday evening, and was waiting for a return call from Head Coach Gary Williams as TT broke the exclusive news.
After a return call from TT, the friendly, engaging Williams broke it all down.
"I really appreciate your interest. I promised you I would contact you as soon as I made a decision, and I am a man of my word," said Williams.
And, after all the speculation about where he might wind up, Williams spoke of the deciding factor.
"It was Maryland's criminal justice system that really was the difference. They have the number one criminal justice program in the country, and that is the area which I have always been interested in," said Williams. "You are never sure if basketball is going to work out for you, and so I wanted something to be able to fall back on. I hope when my basketball days are over, I can go into police work or detective work and that can be my career. Maryland was a great fit basketball wise, but the academic side of it was what made the decision for me."
As the days dragged on since his visit to St. John's, many speculated on what the decision was going to be....Maryland, St. John's, or another program that might enter the picture. In the end, it was a two horse race.
"It took a long time to sort it all out, because I really like both schools a lot, and really like the head coaches (SJ Head Coach Norm Roberts) and their staffs. And it was tougher in a way to turn down St. John's, since ironically, my sister goes there. But I had to do what was best for me."
Maryland's staff did a good job of showing Williams exactly how he would fit in.
"Coach Williams said they need a scorer in the paint, and they feel like I can play both the "5" and the "4" spots, " said Williams. "They see me as a back to the basket player, but one who, in time, can step out a little and face up too. That is a part of my game which I hope to improve, and I think Coach Williams can help me get better with that aspect of my play. My ability to step out a bit and shoot, and my ballhandling need the most work. But I do feel like I can score down low, and that is what Maryland needs."
Williams' parents were supportive of his decision. His grandfather was in law enforcement, which first attracted him to the field.
"They both made the trip down to College Park with me on my visit, and they were impressed by everything. I think the fact that academics and my interest in criminal justice was a big factor in my decision made them happy. We thought this through and it was definitely not a snap decision."
Williams, who has two sisters and one brother (the brother is a hoopster as well), is getting back to good health as he is almost fully healed from an ankle injury.
"It's coming along, and now that I have this decision over with, I can concentrate on my academics and getting ready for practice to begin. I want all the Maryland fans to know I am excited to be a Terp, and I consider it a great honor. I am going to go to a very good school to play for a great coach. Six months ago, I wouldn't have dreamed this all could have happened."
Williams said that his academics are in good shape and that "Maryland has received all my transcripts and are happy with my grades. I am doing very well in school. But it's been tough to concentrate on school with all the recruiting going on. I really wanted to keep the recruiting under control and I felt like I would have been happy at either Maryland or St. John's. I didn't want to add on other schools when I knew I had two good choices. The basketball opportunities were good at both places, but the quality of my chosen major swung it in Maryland's favor," said Williams.
TT scouted Williams as he performed this summer for the New England Playaz in Las Vegas. As his confidence grew, the play of Williams elevated him into a high major recruit. Among the other schools who pursued Williams were Arizona, Marquette, Indiana, Georgetown, Providence, and UMass. Clearly, Jordan Williams was THE inside performer at the top of the Terps' wish list. His skills will hopefully fill the program's biggest need.