6’6” 2018 Jaron Williams
York Prep / Upward Stars York (SC)
By Jamie Shaw
Queen City Challenge – April 7-9 in Charlotte, NC
Phenom Challenge LIVE – April 21-23 in Spartanburg, SC
Jaron Williams first opened our eyes with his ability to defend multiple positions at a high level. He has great length, quick twitch athleticism and great anticipation that allows him to defend the 2-4 positions in certain situations. It was that ability, and willingness, to lock up that let us know that Williams was a player who needed to be monitored.
We first saw Williams during his sophomore year of high school. He then crossed our paths again at the NC Phenom 150 camp and then with his travel ball team. It was in these settings that Williams solidified the intrigue of a 2-way prospect. He displayed his solid handle and pace in the half court, he showed range beyond the 3-point line and he showed a consistently ability to score the ball.
After watching him early during the 2016 travel ball season, his unique 2-way ability became apparent. In April of 2016 we wrote,“The uniqueness of Williams game is that you need to watch him in multiple settings (we suggest that you watch kids in multiple settings to get any type of read on a kid) to get the full grasp of how very good he is. During high school ball, for his York Prep team, Williams is a defensive stopper…When you watch Williams with his travel ball team, he still keeps that defensive mentality, but it is his offensive game that really shines.”
6’6″ 2018 Jaron Williams is a High Level 2-Way Prospect
His game has continued to progress over the last year.
As with most of the elite prospects in the state, Williams is an alum of the prestigious South Carolina Top 80. After his performance against the state’s best we wrote, “Williams carries a great frame, which is long and very strong. Defensively he is able to guard the 2-4 positions. Williams has a natural understanding of the game, with an advanced pass, shoot and defend skill set. Williams’ camp coach Austin Reid stated, “Jaron is a high level playmaker. He is very strong with the ball and is able to score, from all 3 levels, in bunches. He has great body control, and gets to the rack with ease.”
Right now, Williams carries 6 Division 1 offers. Over the last year, Winthrop, Longwood, Hampton, Presbyterian, Delaware State and Alcorn State have stepped forward with offers. He has made his way onto many recruiting boards already and in April he should be turning this interest into offers.
Coaches need to make sure to watch Williams this April, with his Upward Stars York team.