Jerome “Junkyard Dog” Williams has always been a fan favorite and even though he’s retired, don’t rule out the possibility of a comeback.
Number 13 in your programs, but number one in your hearts.
I’m not talking about Shane Falco for all those fans of The Replacements out there. I’m talking about Jerome “Junkyard Dog” Williams, former New York Knick and NBA fan favorite.
Thirteen was the last number he wore when he suited up for Power of the BIG3 in 2017. Before that, Williams spent the waning years of his NBA career in New York after spending time in Chicago, Toronto, and Detroit. It was, in fact, his time as a Piston that led to being nicknamed “Junkyard Dog.” As a result of his tenacious rebounding ability, hard work, and hustle, Rick Mahorn and Grant Long assigned that moniker and it has stuck ever since.
It seems that the days of watching “Junkyard Dog” lace up his sneakers and grind on a basketball court have come and gone. Williams now serves as the president of BIG3’s youth reach program, Young3, and does a tremendous job stewarding the league’s community involvement. But while speaking to Elite Sports NY at the Young3 Youth Clinic on Thursday, Williams did not rule out his potential return to BIG3 action.
“Hey listen, I’m always ready. I stay ready, so I don’t have to get ready,” Williams told Elite Sports NY. “And I can’t wait to be barking and getting my dog pound riled up in one of these cites, but I’m just standing on the sidelines waiting.”
Williams was no slouch in 2017. In eight games played he averaged 6.4 points per game along with 7.2 rebounds. From an NBA standpoint, that may not seem like much, but it’s important to keep in mind that BIG3 game concludes when one team has scored 50 points. Plus, when you factor in his hustle and intangibles, “Junkyard Dog” is an asset that could potentially help any of the eight BIG3 teams.
“I led my team in the playoffs last year in points, rebounds, assists and steals. So, playoff teams are going to be looking for a guy like me come that time of the year.”
Williams has always endeared himself to fans and only more so now that he has become so involved in the communities BIG3 travels to. With eight weeks left in the season, I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of seeing “Junkyard Dog” step back out on the court. He said it himself, plenty of teams will be looking for a guy like that come playoff time.
