Jawad Williams...

[DSouthr]

http://www.jawadwilliams.com/wad-s-world.html

Guys you have to visit Jawad's blog and read thru all his entries. So many negative things are in vogue to be said about our UNC alums, you have to see for yourself the quality of this young man that came thru the halls of Chapel Hill.

It really fills my soul that my generation will leave this world in the hands of young men of this quality. There are so many things that I see and like so many from an older generation, I can't help but worry about how this new generation will lead this country and this world we live in. But I see young men like Jawad and I read his thoughts, I gain a new hope, I realize, if Jawad is the bar, this world I leave will be in wonderful hands.

 

[Ozheelfan]

Thanks for posting Dave. Saw this yesterday and really enjoyed the read.

 

[UNC Blue Hup]

I always loved him as a player, great post!

 

[mahncpa1]

That is great stuff from a quality guy. Jawad went through a lot of tough times
at UNC. I was thrilled when he helped win the Natl. Championship and proud
that he is a Tarheel for life!!

 

[DSouthr]

When I read thru his take on his first visit to the McDonald house and how it effected him I see the "Carolina Way" being paid forward. Folks can bastardize the phrase but those words from Jawad is what Dean intended the "Carolina Way" to be. Not that nonsense spouted by our jealous rivals.

The "Carolina Way" is and has always been about developing the kids that come to the program in to fine young men of character. No, it has not always worked out that way, we have had some poor representitives of the "Carolina Way". But because a very few have poorly represented themselves and the program does not mean and should not be spun as that being the majority. You see fine young men like Jawad, Marcus, Joel James, and the list is far to long to keep naming and certianly has the greatest player of all time right at the top. You realize the "Carolina Way" is about the right things, it is about the values we all hold near and dear. The "Carolina Way" is not nor has ever been about being better than someone else, it is about being a BETTER person yourself ! That is the vision Dean Smith gave this university and this program and his dream for that to pay its way forward generation after generation.

As John Lennon shared.. IMAGINE...

 

[Heelicious]

Good posts, David. I agree that JW came back from a lot of adversity it seems. To me JW personified the turnaround of the program from the 8-20 mess back to the top. It seems JW improved as much as any player I can remember in his time at UNC. I believe in the Final Four, in both games (MSU and Illinois) he came up with some huge shots including timely clutch 3 pointers. I'm glad that he represents the program well and leads a responsible, productive, and giving life.

Not to digress too much, but I'd have to disagree with your reference to the "Imagine" song by Lennon as a good thing - basically a secular humanistic theme, "every man for himself, no higher power or purpose in life, no God, no heaven, nothing worth fighting for" theme.... its misunderstood song, much like "Born in the USA" by Springsteen (not patriotic, instead a sharp criticism of excessive US involvement in Vietnam, and lack of regard for soldiers, veterans).

 

[DSouthr]

Good posts, David. I agree that JW came back from a lot of adversity it seems. To me JW personified the turnaround of the program from the 8-20 mess back to the top. It seems JW improved as much as any player I can remember in his time at UNC. I believe in the Final Four, in both games (MSU and Illinois) he came up with some huge shots including timely clutch 3 pointers. I'm glad that he represents the program well and leads a responsible, productive, and giving life.

Not to digress too much, but I'd have to disagree with your reference to the "Imagine" song by Lennon as a good thing - basically a secular humanistic theme, "every man for himself, no higher power or purpose in life, no God, no heaven, nothing worth fighting for" theme.... its misunderstood song, much like "Born in the USA" by Springsteen (not patriotic, instead a sharp criticism of excessive US involvement in Vietnam, and lack of regard for soldiers, veterans).

Not to stray this thread because I do think this thread is important but I take the Imagine song differently. I take the words no God or Heaven to address the reason more people in history have been killed than any other, over religion. We need look no further than ISIS now to see just that. But when/if we are in heaven there is no war nor reason for fighting, you do not pray to God to end war when there is no war or reason for war being waged. I understand you take the words in a literal manner, I just take them differently. I*n my view, the world he shares is my view of heaven itself and once there no reason to try to figure out what God should we pray to, we will know, we will be with him. Isn't that after all why so many have died, over the demands by some to pray to their believed God or Gods while others believe differently? To me that is the point of the song, to all believe as one, not because we are forced to but because the truth is there for all to see. As always, just my opinion, now lets get back to Jawad !