- 2x NBA leader in offensive rebound percentage (1999, 2000)
- Led the NBA in offensive rating with 119.4 (1999)
- Founded the JYD Project, a non-profit organization that promotes positive youth development (1998)
- 3x NBA Community Award winner
- Named to the Montgomery College Sports Hall of Fame (2005)
Jerome Williams is a former NBA power forward who played for the Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks throughout the mid-1990s to mid-2000s. A fan favorite due to his tenacious playing, Jerome was nicknamed the “Junkyard Dog” for his hard work and hustle. He was selected by the Pistons as the 26th pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. Jerome led the league in rebounding percentage and was ranked third overall in offensive rating in 2000. However, he arguably recorded his strongest season in 2003, having scored an average of 9.7 points per game. Over his nine seasons in the NBA, Jerome played in 587 games, scoring 3,865 points and making 3,743 rebounds.
Originally from Washington D.C., Jerome attended Georgetown University where he became one of the program’s most proficient rebounders. As a senior, he averaged 10 points and 8.8 rebounds per game before graduating in 1996. Throughout his professional career, Jerome took notable interest in the communities where he played. He established youth groups and created affordable housing options for working class families and he, along with his brother, founded “Positive Shades of Black,” an education incentive program for elementary school students. He also developed the JYD Project in 1998, a 501c3 non-profit organization that offers aid and help for the youth in struggling communities. Jerome became involved with the NBA outside of his playing career as well, having served as an NBA Cares ambassador, NBA TV correspondent, NBA Fit spokesman and NBA Goodwill Ambassador to seven foreign countries. After his retirement in 2005, he founded Automotive Street Style, LLC and started Basketball Boot Camp to produce and develop outstanding student-athletes. He currently serves as the Player Development Coach at Findlay Preparatory School.
