Bobby Martinez – Sports Reporter
“I was always in my brother’s shadow, there was a lot of people who said I couldn’t be where I’m at today with basketball,” said Desmond Williams, whose brother, Jordan, was selected by the New Jersey Nets with the 36th overall pick in 2011 NBA draft.
After sitting out a year due to academic focus, Williams was at the point of his life where basketball wasn’t his main priority, it was hitting the books hard daily in order to have a collegiate career.
“I had to get my grades right,” said Williams. “I was slacking in the classroom and I knew that in order for me to have any chance of playing, I had to get my grades up.”
Williams played at his hometown school Torrington High School. He then played one year at Putnam Science Academy, a Connecticut boarding school. When it came to choosing a proper college Williams chose Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI).
Williams energized @SCSU_Owls – ex-Raider Desmond at home with Owls – http://t.co/tY0oQNEx61 @RASports http://t.co/VKbXiQ2My0 #SCSU
— Joe Palladino (@RAOffTheRecord) September 2, 2014
Williams, prior to playing at CCRI, already had some buzz surrounding his game; he was a young talented player who had a lot of potential. But what bothered Williams slightly, was the lack of recognition he was receiving from top basketball schools in the country.
“Torrington isn’t a major conference,” he said. “The NVL ( Naugatuck Valley League) isn’t like New York or something that big. They (recruiters) probably thought Connecticut wasn’t a basketball state so of course they didn’t give me the respect I felt I deserved so it’s good that I got it now.”
While playing at CCRI, a lot of D-I schools started to recruit Williams. The schools were Kansas State University, Providence College, University of Rhode Island, Marymount University, Quinnipiac University and St. Bonaventure University.
But the connection and chemistry Williams had with the Owls program, started during his time at Torrington. While at Torrington, Owls Assistant Head Coach Mike Makubika, had his eyes on Williams because he was an athlete that had all the skillsets every college coach dreams of coaching.
“His ability to score the ball,” said Makubika. “Desmond was always getting better and better. While he was in high school, he was 6-4, and when he went to Putnam Science, he shot up to be about 6-6 6-7. So I knew he was going to be a special player. At CCRI he scored over 1200 points in two years. If he can score at that rate and you’re a versatile, you’re a special player I think.”
Owls Head Coach Michael Donnelly, commented on Williams working his way back into playing shape, which is the primary focus when it comes to Williams due to his year off of playing organized basketball.
“Every day he is getting better,” said Donnelly. “He didn’t play last year because he was going part-time in school. So without having a year of playing under his belt, we knew he would have a little rust. He managed to stay in good shape but nothing could assimilate what we go through, but he was in rec-league shape.”
Donnelly added, “It’s good to see him everyday progress with his conditioning. He never really been on a real strength and conditioning program so he is getting stronger. And when it comes to playing, we play at a real high pace, and he is really picking up the speed of it.”
Donnelly said despite Williams being the only newcomer on the team, they haven’t slowed down in practice to help Williams get used to the style they play.
He said, “He has been a great job picking up the pace. What I like about him is, he pays attention to detail, he has a high basketball IQ and he wants to learn. He is hungry to get better so we have been really pleased with so far.”
Playing in a sport where his big brother Jordan reached every player’s ultimate goal which is the NBA, Williams said he has been working really hard each day to improve his game in order to one day be able to have a professional career as a basketball player.
“I would love to play in the NBA if the opportunity comes along,” he said. “ I would love to do that or play overseas.”
Williams said if being a professional basketball player doesn’t work, he would pursue a career in his current major sports management. He would like to be a sports agent for basketball players.
Williams’ love for the game of basketball started at the age of four, and since then, he wasn’t able to shy away from the game especially in a family that bred basketball players.
“Going back,” he said, “my uncle played for UConn and I guess that’s where it all started. My dad played for a community college in Connecticut. My brother played for the University of Maryland before getting drafted by the Nets.”
The most important aspect in life to Williams is family. Family to Williams is his backbone and he finds a family in his teammates or in his words “a brotherhood” with each team he has ever been on. As for the Owls team who reached national recognition last year by finishing with a record of 30-3, Williams said from the players to the coaches, they all took him in as family.
“The team,” said Williams, “every team I ever been on has been like a brotherhood to me because we just click especially this team right here.”
Williams added, “My family is always there for me. There was a time in community college where I didn’t start. I was always down on myself so I always hung around my family. I am a very big family man. My family helped me stick through it and got me to where I am right now.”
Photo Credit: Andreas Levers
