Williams breaks scoring slump

For a player who is often lost in the hoopla surrounding North Carolina’s exciting trio of Raymond Felton, Rashad McCants and Sean May, it is only fitting that the quietest of senior Jawad Williams’ points during a personal 7-0 run in Saturday’s matchup against Clemson proved to be the most significant.

Following a tip-in for two under the basket, Williams took a no-look pass from Felton and threw down a two-handed slam while being fouled. After hitting the ensuing free throw, McCants stole the inbounds pass and dished to Williams on the break for a thunderous, one-handed jam.

While it was the two dunks that sent the Smith Center crowd into a frenzy, it was the converted free throw that allowed Williams to become just the 24th player in UNC history to score 1,500 career points.

Afterward, the man who lacks the national attention admitted to not even being aware of the milestone himself.

“That’s something I really didn’t even pay attention to, but it’s a great accomplishment and an honor to my teammates for getting me the ball,” Williams said.

Such an attitude is part of the reason why Williams is not a household name, but his steady play during the ups and downs of the UNC basketball program during his career has often served him well.

“A lot of people don’t understand — Jawad’s been under the radar,” May said. “For him not to get recognition, I think it’s kind of sad, but at the same time, I think it helps him because he’s played so well this year and the past three years that him slipping under the radar has allowed him to break out.”

Williams, who led the Tar Heels with 17 points and also celebrated his 22nd birthday on Saturday, provides a crucial balance with his inside-outside play. His ability to drain fadeaway jump shots in the post, nail 3-pointers and punctuate fast breaks with powerful slams make it even harder for opposing teams to find a solution for the nation’s fourth-ranked squad.

“I said during the entire preseason that he was the most consistent player we had, and he’s continued to play that way,” said UNC coach Roy Williams. “He’s doing some nice things, and he’s been a big-time leader for us with his play and his emotions, too.”

Some might have questioned his consistency lately — Williams has averaged just three points in each of the last three games.

But for a senior leader who averages 14.7 points per game and shoots 58 percent from the field, it was only a matter of time before his optimism would once again result in offensive production.

After the Duke loss, the 6-foot-9 forward helped revitalize the Tar Heels by leading them with 17 points and six rebounds in a 77-70 victory against Connecticut. Although the slump was broken, it was done in Williams’ typical quiet fashion.

“That’s the way I do things on and off the court,” Williams said. “I don’t need a lot of attention. I just get the job done.”

But while a tranquil lifestyle and play might be his preference, Williams’ will always be able to draw attention and applause with his above-the-rim play.

“Jawad, he gets the crowd on its feet,” May said. “He’s got amazing jumping ability and can score with the basketball. It’s a thrill to see a guy in his senior year really taking advantage of the opportunity.”

Contact the Sports Editor at sports@unc.edu.