‘Lil Ronald’ is Earning Major Respect Through Work

Ron Bailey, Publisher

October 26, 2008 – B’More has long produced talented diminutive guards, guys that played much bigger than their measurables. The likes of Kevin ‘Stink’ Norris, who went on to star at the University of Miami, and his cousin Shawnta Rodgers, a former George Washington University and European professional standout both illustrate the point.

Of course nobody can forget Mugsey Bogues, probably the best little-big man to play National Basketball Association basketball. All of these Baltimore point guard legends stand 5’6” or shorter, impacting the game through heart, skills, drive, and defensive prowess.

Though he stands around 5’8”, 160 pounds and is just a sophomore at Saint Frances Academy (MD), Ronald Williams has the possibility – and this may be unfair to say - of being similarly regarded.

'Lil Ronald' Williams dropped 10 points eight assists and a suprisng five rebounds for Saint Frances (MD) last year, according to Nick Myles, an assistant at the school.

“I think he’s the best point guard locally in his class” opined Saint Frances assistant Nick Myles. “Once we get his jump shot together, that’s all he needs”.

As a freshman year, Williams shot a flat, almost set shot, one that he hesitated to pull the trigger on. During a successful travel team season with Team Melo and Nike Baltimore
Elite (who he now competes for), ‘Lil Ronald’ as he’s been dubbed by this writer has displayed much improvement shooting; basically enjoying fruits of his hard labor.

“He’s been working on that a lot” said Myles of Williams’ shot, which has progressed to that of a set-jumper with good arch and increasing accuracy. “He’s been shooting a lot of shots, concentrating on his follow through and getting more lift”.

Also on display have been increased leadership skills by Ronald, as previously he would, though performing formidably, just do his thing while choosing not to direct teammates. That was not totally a bad thing, given Williams can drive, pass, defend, utilizing his quickness and surprising strength to dominate games.

Things have changed, and nowhere was that more evident than the 17 and under championship of Charlie Weber’s recent Maryland Invitational, where Ronald took over the game late, thereby securing his Nike Baltimore Elite team’s chip.

“I had to get us pumped up” said Williams at the time of his performance, which included a couple of key steals and shots in crunch time, along with vocal encouragement to teammates. “I was just trying to pick my team up and be a leader”.

Colleges have noticed. “LSU, Maryland, Kent State and James Madison” all have expressed interest in Ronald, shared Ronald’s brother and travel team coach, Jamel Williams late this summer (since then UMass has also become interested). Given his lightening quick mobility, competitive nature, marked improvement and work ethic, many more will follow.

“He’s starting to understand he’s working for a free education” stated Jamal of his younger brothers desire to advance his skill set. “He’s calling me to work out with him constantly”!

Williams’ eyes are rightly on the college education prize – the true pot of gold at the end of the proverbial youth/high school hoops rainbow. At this rate Ronald has the potential to have many more eyes on him, which could land him in the pantheon of great Baltimore little-big men.