By Alvert Hernandez –
NJCU’s very own Senior basketball players, Keith Williams, 22, Business Administration, from Jersey City, NJ and Taquan Abdullah, 22, Accounting, from Kenilworth, NJ, will be pursuing the Pro Draft after graduation.
Both players were the team captains and will be heading to a camp in New Hampshire to display their talents to various scouts. When asked about whether they like to play in either the Euro League or the NBA, both said the Euro League.
“The Euro League is real. We can develop more of our game playing overseas,” said Abduallah, who has played all four years here at NJCU.
Williams is a transfer and only played two years here at NJCU. Head Coach Marc Brown ranked Williams and Abdullah out of all the players he’s coached.
“Top 10 [easily],” said Coach Brown. “They have contributed a lot these past years.”
The contribution has been stellar.Since these two players have played together, they have contributed a 36-17 record with a NJAC title. This past season, Williams averaged 10.3 Pts/G, 4.0 Ast/G and 2.5 Stl/G while Abdullah averaged 6.0 Pts/G, 3.4 Reb/G, and 0.6 Stl/G.
The Gothic Knights went 17-7 this past season and failed to earn a NJAC Tournament bid in their final regular season home game. Despite that, they had an astounding home record of 10-2.
Playing Division III basketball arguably hinders a player’s chances of going pro. Don’t tell that to Williams and Abdullah.
“Division III basketball does not hurt us. Division I doesn’t worry about their players’ overall game, the intangibles, and the little things that help you become solid players,” said Williams. “I think we can take on some Division I teams. [We can take on] St. Peter’s.”
Coach Brown shared his thoughts on his players applying for the Pro Draft and their opportunity to play either in the NBA or overseas.
“In the NBA, no. But if you put them in the right team, country, and style, then maybe they can succeed,” said Coach Brown.