HAVERFORD, Pa. – The Haverford College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is proud to announce that Jay Williams will be coming to Haverford to speak on Wednesday, January 28. Presenting “Reinvention,” Williams' speech will be held at 8 p.m. in Stokes Auditorium and is open to the entire campus community.
JAY WILLIAMS
Jay Williams, one of the most prolific college basketball players in history, has parlayed his career on the court at Duke University and the NBA into a successful career in broadcasting and business. Williams’ strong work ethic, positive attitude and commitment to excellence have led to his accomplishments as a respected basketball analyst, entrepreneur, spokesperson and author.
Williams graduated from Duke University in 2002 and was the first athlete at the university to earn his degree in just three years. He was awarded the prestigious Naismith and Wooden Awards given to the nation's top collegiate basketball player of the year in 2002. Today he serves as a voting member of the John Wooden Awards Committee. His #22 Duke jersey is retired and hangs in the rafters of Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Williams, who played professionally for the Chicago Bulls, was chosen as the second pick overall in the 2002 NBA draft. He is a member of the NBA Retired Players Association and sits on the board of USA Basketball. Williams is active in charity basketball games, work camps and other events sponsored by NBA players, and has traveled to China to play with a USA team against China’s teams in Beijing and Shanghai.
Williams joined ESPN as a full-time basketball analyst in 2008, after working for the network as a commentator in 2003. Before joining ESPN, Williams was an analyst in 2007 for CBS College Sports Network, primarily working the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. He previously was a contributor to Fox Sports Radio 99.9 The Fan in North Carolina.
In addition to his broadcasting and NBA careers, Williams has established himself as a premier keynote motivational speaker for various executive business conferences, youth foundations and charitable organizations nationwide. Williams is a brand ambassador for Under Armour, a leader in sports performance apparel, footwear and accessories. He is also the President and Chairman of his own company, JW Group and works closely with a handful of clients and projects ranging from economic development; corporate training; event management; corporate lobbying; branding and motivational programs.
Williams is committed to raising awareness for the PKD Foundation, which promotes research, education and advocacy for polycystic kidney disease. He also speaks out on the importance of organ donation in saving lives. He regularly assists legendary Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski during his summer basketball programs for youths and CEO’s. He is also altruistically focused on financial literacy and outreach to young people and Urban communities.
Please be on the look out for his book “Life Is Not An Accident” - about the power of reinvention - it will be released by Harper Collins later this year.