On their 10 games over Intersession, the Johns Hopkins men’s basketball team was 6-4 to hold them at 8-8 overall and 5-4 in the Centennial Conference.
Throughout that stretch, the Blue Jays saw huge contributions from senior guard Gene Williams, who has started every game this season and currently averages over 13 points a game.
The sharpshooter has become feared in the Centennial for his quick release and ability to get off shots without much space.
On Saturday, Jan. 9, Williams drained eight three-pointers (in route to a career high of 28 points) that not only propelled the Jays past conference foe Muhlenberg College, but also tied the school record for three-pointers in a single game.
Williams is not just a one-dimensional shooter, though, and his better numbers this year have been buoyed by increased aggressiveness attacking the basket and filling some of the playmaking role departed senior Jimmy Hammer was so adept at.
The News-Letter sat down with the 6’4” senior guard to look back on the team’s Intersession games and look forward to February’s upcoming conference matchups.
The News-Letter: What has been your focus for improvement throughout the year, namely over intersession?
Gene Williams: Throughout the year, I’ve tried to improve upon my leadership. After we lost Austin to an ACL tear in January, I knew I needed to step up and lead our team even more over Intersession and into the latter part of our season. It’s been a tough challenge, especially after losing great leadership from Jimmy and George, but I’m excited to finish the season strong.
N-L: What are your goals heading into February as the second round of Conference matchups commences?
GW: My two main goals are to secure a playoff spot and to be playing our best basketball at the end of the regular season. We’ve shown signs of being a great team throughout the year but have yet to put it together consistently. We plan to change that come February.
N-L: How do you feel about the team’s position at fourth in the Centennial Conference?
GW: While it’s nice to be in a playoff spot now, it doesn’t mean much if we don’t finish the season strong. In our league, a lot of the teams are even talent wise so it’s up to us to take it game-by-game and secure a playoff spot. Once we get in the playoffs, anything can happen.
N-L: Over your four years with the Blue Jays’ men’s basketball program, your role has changed and evolved. How would you describe your role this year?
GW: I would describe my role this year as an experienced upperclassmen. Throughout my four years, I’ve played with a lot of great leaders and have been on some of the best teams in Hopkins history. It’s been a goal of mine this year to continue that great leadership we’ve experienced and carry on the winning tradition.
N-L: As a captain and one of the team’s six seniors, how are you working to motivate your teammates during the next ten plus games?
GW: At this point in the season, everyone is pretty self-motivated. It’s not like last year where we knew we were going to be in the playoffs at the end of January. For me, it’s more about keeping everyone focused and making sure we’re ready for each and every game.
N-L: In Hopkins history, you hold the eighth spot for the most three-pointers made. Beyond the record book, what type of impact do you hope to leave at Hopkins and on the basketball court?
GW: It’s an honor to hold that record, but more importantly I want to leave the program knowing that the underclassmen learned from me what I learned from the guys who played before me. This means taking pride in the program and understanding what it takes to win a championship. If the younger guys learn that from me then that’s the best thing I will have done as a senior.
In addition to holding that place in the Hopkins career record books and a host of other Conference honors from his previous three years, Williams leads this year’s team in scoring, field goals made and three-pointers made.
Heading into Saturday’s contest at Swarthmore College, Williams and the Jays will look to move up in Conference standings and gain momentum for their final stretch.
