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Jerome Williams

Jerome's first job was in a Church...

During the 1996 NBA draft, Jerome "Junk Yard Dog" Williams was selected 26th overall by the Detroit Pistons. Jerome, in his nine-year playing career, had an average of 6.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. He played in 500 games. Jerome's playing career took him from Detroit to the Toronto Raptors where Jerome would become a big fan favorite. He also went on to play for the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks. Jerome's nickname is "Junk Yard Dog"; he earned the nickname by being a powerful, unshakable player on the basketball court. He was often called a great leader and he had a strong commitment for community service. Jerome has played in many different positions on the court. He has been a starter and cheerleader on the bench for his teams, wanting to help in any way he could. Jerome has also been a community advocate, an NBA Players Union Representative. Back in 2000, he was chosen by NBA players to serve in an executive role as Union Vice President of the players. Jerome put himself in an important position to have a strong role inside the NBA.

He also made important and planned decisions that gave him a chance to take a look at how the NBA operated. This also gave Jerome an opportunity of being in the NBA office and still playing the game of basketball.

Jerome prepared for his part as Ambassador for NBA Cares, NBA TV correspondent, NBA Fit Spokesman and NBA Goodwill Ambassador to South Africa, Israel, South America, Philippines, Shanghai, Bahrain and Beijing. Jerome's hard work in his community endeavors had obtained him National Media disclosure, also many community service awards.

He received two special invitations to have dinner with President George W. Bush and his administration at the White House. Jerome then joined "Basketball Without Borders", a program of the NBA that went out to teach basketball and bring assets to Africa, Asia and other nations.

Jerome also prepared high school and college students with the skills of independent living. The Fannie Mae Foundation gave him the honor of the National "Home Team" Award, which they presented to him.

Jerome then was given the opportunity to ring the bell at the stock markets at both New York and Toronto Stock Exchanges.

Jerome is now retired, although he is busy working with JYD P.R.O.J.E.C.T. whose mission is to "Unify people of all nationalities in a collective effort to save our kids."

Jerome Williams

Jerome has been blessed through God over the years. His very first job was in his church as an altar server, as he was serving God at an early age. When Jerome was older he use the power of prayer to overcome his many challenges in life, he started to build a good work ethic because of his love of God, as he did all sorts of different jobs. Jerome is well known for being bold in his faith for Jesus and he talks with and inspires the young people to take a strong stand with our Lord Jesus Christ.