LD Williams, former standout at Wake Forest University, is currently playing in Finland for Torpan Pojat (ToPo) which has a 15-6 record. Williams averaged 17.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.4 APG & 1.5 SPG. LD was a four year starter at Wake Forest University (2006-2010) under Skip Prosser and Dino Gaudio. In 2008-2009 he was part of the Wake Forest team that started the season 16-0 and rose to be voted the #1 team in the nation. He started in 118 of his 119 games in his career and is the only Demon Deacon to be voted to ACC All-Defensive team multiple times (2). LD has been a pro since he graduated from Wake Forest and has played in various places across the globe. In 2012 he played in the NBA Summer League for the San Antonio Spurs.
Favorite Quote: “Basketball isn’t like Halloween just because you are wearing a costume doesn’t mean you’re going to get candy” – Skip Prosser
Meaning just because you have on a uniform doesn’t mean you’re going to get playing time. You must put in the work!!!
Best advice you would offer to younger players: Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Don’t come to the gym every day and work on the same things. Mix in some of the things you aren’t as gifted in, try to work on a new move/skill every week or so. DON’T BE ONE DIMENSIONAL.
Most memorable basketball moment: My first college game is by far my most memorable basketball moment. I was 18, we played North Carolina Central. My whole life I wanted to play at Wake Forest, I mean I grew up watching guys like Rodney Rodgers, Randolph Childress, Tim Duncan even Chis Paul was a little before my time. So being able to follow in their footsteps was surreal to me.
What is one area you wish you spent more time on growing up: When I was younger I wish I worked more on shooting the ball more consistently. I was usually bigger, faster and stronger than the guys I grew up with so I got by without having to be a consistent threat shooting wise. I made shots but it was never something I really needed in my game when I was younger. As I got older I was a bit hampered with consistency so I struggled at times, it wasn’t until I started making shots from the outside that I became a DEADLY scorer!!
IF YOU CAN SHOOT SOMEONE WILL ALWAYS FIND A WAY TO KEEP YOU ON THE TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!
Best teaching point a coach has ever given you: “Never delay gratitude” – Skip Prosser
How can players use Just Hoops to become a better player: Just Hoops is a great way for young players to fall in love with the process, coming in daily and working to get results is the best way to get better in my opinion. With the help of a great staff and state of the art equipment results will come. The environment is fun, intimate and most of all effective. If you’re serious about wanting to get better, there is no question about where to get that done!
My last point, basketball is fun make sure that you always keep it that way. Even in my professional years I’ve tried to keep that aspect as true as I can. It’s easy to get caught up into individual accolades and wins and losses, but at the end of the day it’s still a game. Be competitive, play with passion and emotion, work your tail off but make sure you have fun! Drake said it best “once I’m done having fun with it I’ll be done with it.”
