Recruiting Report 2018: Terrance Williams (TJ).
Terrance Williams (TJ), 6’4″, WF/WG, 2018. Northwest Jaguars HS Germantown, MD.
Grassroots Team: MOCO Heat/Team Vito
We first saw Northwest HS in the MD Elite Summer League & to be quite frank, we were shocked at the level of talent the Jaguars posses. In our opinion Northwest will challenge for the Montgomery County 4A & or Regional Title for 2017/18. We will have a Northwest team overview this month. Last season TJ averaged 17 points & 8 rebounds.
TJ impressed us immediately, and every-time we saw him, TJ play he showed us something new. Despite being an excellent all around & very skilled player, we are asked what stands out TJ most? We said it is his intelligence/ basketball IQ and TJ’s ability to effect the game from every location on the court. No mater where TJ is on the court he can make something positive happen & can impact the game without scoring.
This summer we have chatted with TJ several times & he says,” In regard to my strength as player, I would start with my Basketball IQ & leadership roles. The most important factor is a win & making sure every player is on board & involved. I always encourage my teammates if the game is not going our way, if needed I will be vocal.” When we watch TJ he always seems to be one step ahead & his decision making can be excellent.
When we chat with the players one of the favorite questions we ask is, what players do they like to watch, study & emulate? When the player responds, almost every time, if not 100%, we see many similarities to the players game they like. When TJ was asked this question, he responded, “I really like Carmelo Anthony (Baltimore, MD), his back to the basket moves, and his ability as a triple threat. Also, I like to watch Kevin Durant (Suiltand, MD, Montrose Christian HS (MD), GS Warriors) as a stretch 4.” Well done TJ, we do see some of each players skills in TJ’s game. In the mid-rage,he can back down his man for quick pull up or dish like Melo, and like KD TJ can make a quick flash to the 3 point line and hit a 3, or make a move to the basket such as a Euro Step.
Offensively, TJ has slashing skills & he has shown he can score from all 3 levels in addition to being a triple threat. He adds,” I can finish thru contact at the rim & mid-range & have the ability to get my shot off when needed. I can score from most locations on the floor, but one of my most important skills is my passing ability & court vision” In the MD Elite Summer League All Star game played July 31, TJ was awarded best facilitator & he dished out 6 plus assists. Some his passes were elite, displaying TJ’s excellent vision, IQ & decision making.
On the defensive end, TJ says, ” I am very good re-bounder and a solid on ball defender.” TJ adds,” I work on getting better on some aspect of basketball daily. This summer I have been focusing on my defensive decision making & leaving my feet too early. Continually, I want to improve in strength, conditioning, flexibility & explosion. Additionally, when I workout I am always doing footwork drills on both sides of the ball. Offensively, I want to improve my creativity, ball handling, getting my shot more consistent & my overall skills.
This spring & summer TJ has seen improvements in his game from playing for his Grassroots Team, MOCO Heat/ Team Vito & in the MD Elite Summer League for Northwest HS & says, “My footwork, jump shot, explosion and overall basketball skills have improved. However, I do want to settle and I realize I can always get better in every aspect of basketball, but I am happy & proud with my progress. I think Northwest could have a breakout year & I am excited & very optimistic. I am really looking forward to my senior year at Northwest.”
On moving on to the next level TJ realizes he will have to make the transition to a WG to become a D1 recruit. We believe TJ can make this transition, but at this point in time he is a great basketball prospect for college. Another factor in choosing college to attend, is that TJ is an excellent WR for the Northwest HS football team.
In the classroom TJ maintains an impressive 3.4 GPA & he has given a lot of thought on a potential major in college. Currently, he says” I am very interested in majoring in Communications/Media or Mechanical Engineering” TJ has a very close knit family and he says his parents & other family members are his role models. Additionally, he mentioned the support & mentoring from Northwest HS Head Coach Rob Smith. We will be following TJ this season for his Northwest HS basketball games & we will have game reports in addition to TJ progress reports.