Barnyard Spotlight: Jon Williams
From Diapers to Dunks:
Jon Williams took a different path than most Minnesotans to play for the Gophers, but ultimately decided to play at home. Williams committed to St. John’s in the fall of 2002 while attending St. Cloud Apollo. But after Red Storm coach Mike Jarvis resigned, Williams decided to attend the Fitchburg (Mass.) Notre Dame Prep Academy after graduating to work on his academics and he subsequently de-committed from St. John’s. Before attending Apollo, Williams attended high schools in Georgia and Florida. Williams was named all-state honorable mention at Apollo in 2003, and averaged eight points and eight rebounds while at Notre Dame Prep. Following a heavy recruiting battle between Penn State and Pitt, Minnesota won out and added Williams for the 2004-2005 season. Unfortunately, Williams suffered a sprained knee during the preseason and was granted a medical redshirt season.
The Barnyard Quiz
1) Why did you choose the Gophers?
The University of Minnesota is a great college in a major conference
2) What’s been your biggest thrill as a Gopher
Big Ten Tour – “Shot by Blake”
3) How do you get ready before a game?
Listen to music
4) What’s a little known fact about you?
I love to draw!
5) Who is your favorite former Gopher?
Engen Nurumbi – he was the funniest teammate
6) The Gophers are down 1 with :05 left & Coach Smith is locked in the bathroom – what play do you run?
Coach Smith would never be locked in a bathroom with :05 left. He would bust out before let lets us draw up a play!
7) After winning the 2009 NCAA’s what song do you dance to at the welcome home celebration?
Lil’ Boosie — Wipe Me Down
8)When your career as a Gopher is over, what would you like to be remembered for?
A respectful man that played hard all the time