Why Greg Williams Jr.’s monster St. John’s dunk meant so much

It was only worth two points, a soaring slam that drew a raucous reaction from teammates and fans alike. It would land Greg Williams Jr. on ESPN’s SportsCenter “Top 10 Plays.”

But it was more significant than a viral moment for the St. John’s sophomore guard. Far more important than the two points it produced. It was an “I’m back” moment, the kind of play Williams was known for producing in high school and on occasion as a freshman.

“The dunk was really a relief for him,” his father, Greg Williams Sr., said in a phone interview before St. John’s hosted Albany on Wednesday night. “He realized, ‘I can do the things I used to do.’ It was, ‘Hey, I’m back, and watch out, world.’”

There were high expectations for Williams under new coach Mike Anderson, hope he would blossom with more opportunities in Anderson’s up-tempo style predicated on pressure defense. Anderson had been impressed by what he saw from Williams in the summer. But when preseason practices began in late September, Williams was unable to participate. During the Red Storm Tip-Off, he was on the sideline. He missed virtually the entire preseason with a nagging back issue doctors identified as a strain in the lower and middle back. There was inflammation that became too much for him to fight through.

The origin of the injury was uncertain. It may have come from lifting weights without a belt. Or it could’ve just been the result of wear and tear for someone who has been dunking since the sixth grade. Either way, the 6-foot-3 guard from Louisiana was prescribed rest. While his teammates were learning Anderson’s system, Williams could only watch.

“It was scary, he’s 19 years old at the time,” the elder Williams said. “When you have a back injury, you wonder: What is it? Will it be something long-term? Is it something that could affect your career?”

Most importantly, the coaching staff made sure Williams understood his health should be his main focus, his father said. He wouldn’t lose anything by being out. He remained a part of the team. He wasn’t told to rush back.

“I appreciate the staff’s patience. He didn’t feel like they were leaving him behind,” Williams Sr. said. “He was able to stay connected even though he couldn’t participate.”

Eventually, he got back on the court, but he wasn’t himself, hesitant and unaggressive. The explosion wasn’t there. He wouldn’t attack. Lately, that’s changing. Williams produced eight points in a big win over West Virginia, sinking a clutch 3-pointer as the shot clock was winding down, and enjoyed his best game last Tuesday in a win over Brown. Beyond the dunk, Williams was all over the floor, tallying four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a blocked shot.

For the first time since the injury, his father saw his son playing all-out, not thinking about the back, letting his physical ability take over.

“Once he overcame the fear of reinjuring it, he was able to really let it flow,” Williams Sr. said.

Anderson has noticed, giving Williams a season-high 22 minutes against Brown. Even before then, he was gaining more trust in the sophomore, praising his defensive ability and hustle. With star guard Mustapha Heron out with an ankle injury, Williams’ role should only increase.

“Now he’s starting to feel comfortable with what we’re doing and understanding his role. That’s the biggest thing,” Anderson said. “The biggest part was him getting healthy, getting healthy and getting into shape, getting into tune to playing with these guys.

“There’s another level he can get it. It’s good to see him go out and play with confidence. He’s playing with a lot more confidence than he was early in the year.”