University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Harlem Globetrotters Sign John Williams
10.14.2011 | Men's Basketball
PHOENIX - The Harlem Globetrotters have signed former Bulldog John Williams as part of its 10-person rookie class for their upcoming tour.
"The Globetrotters are excited to welcome a new generation of stars to carry on the storied tradition of the world's most entertaining basketball team," said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. "This year's rookie class features some of the most talented and promising players from across the world."
He will be known as John "Jet" Williams when he takes to the floor with the Globetrotters this year.
The senior from Raleigh graduated this past spring after enjoying an outstanding Bulldog career. He finished his career as the school's all-time leader in blocked shots with 255. In addition, Williams completed his career as the program's 20th all-time leading scorer with 1,171 points. The Raleigh native pulled down 684 rebounds, placing him sixth all-time at Asheville in that category. John is one of just three players in the history of the Big South Conference to score more than 1,000 points, grab more than 600 rebounds and block more than 200 shots.
This past season despite a facial injury that caused him to miss seven games in late November and most of December, Williams finished the year as Asheville's leader in blocked shots with 46. He averaged 8.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. John enjoyed a spectacular Big South Conference Tournament as he led the Bulldogs to the tournament championship and trip to the NCAA Tournament. In the title game victory over Coastal Carolina, Williams set a tournament record with six blocked shots, including two in the final two minutes to help seal the 60-47 win. He earned a spot on the Big South All-Tournament team for his play. One of his blocked shots against High Point in the semifinals of the tournament earned him a spot on ESPN's Top 10 Plays.
He was invited to compete in the State Farm Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships in Houston, Texas, the site of the 2011 Final Four, last March. Williams finished second in the competition, despite being the only competitor to make all four of his dunks.
