There are some relationships in sports media that transcend the microphone. My connection with Jayson Williams is one of them. It all started back in the 1997-98 season when I was just getting my feet wet in journalism and Jayson was one of my very first interviews. Decades later, we continue to chop it up like no time has passed.
“Now who started you? I was the first interview, right?” Jayson laughed as we reminisced during our conversation on Scoop B Radio. “I’ve been watching you all the time and I never hear you say, ‘We got started together!’ And now I’m learning all over again from you. You are the best in the game, man!”
The energy Jayson brings has always been contagious, from his days as a high-flying, rebounding machine for the New Jersey Nets to his current role as a basketball elder statesman. Whether discussing his beloved St. John’s University, the 1998 NBA All-Star Game, or the eternal debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James, his passion for the game is evident.
The St. John’s Renaissance
For Williams, St. John’s University remains near and dear to his heart. With Rick Pitino now leading the charge, the program is experiencing a resurgence, and Jayson couldn’t be happier.
“St. John’s is my everything,” he shared. “Coach Pitino is doing a fantastic job; guys like Bill Janecek bringing in Coach Pitino, and the city’s alive right now. It’s on fire. I haven’t paid for a meal in three weeks! I’m out here getting free pizza, free raviolis, and everything!”
His love for St. John’s runs deep. It’s more than just basketball—it’s about pride, legacy, and community. Seeing his alma mater back on the map reminds him of the glory days and gives him hope for the future of the program.
The 1998 NBA All-Star Game and a Full-Circle Moment with Larry Bird
Jayson’s lone All-Star appearance came in 1998, at none other than Madison Square Garden. It was a night filled with memories, but one moment stood out above all—the presence of Larry Bird.
“I remember walking into the locker room and seeing Coach Bird there,” Jayson recalled. “When I first came into the league, he must’ve lit me up for 45 points. I wanted to get in the game, and he kept saying, ‘Put the rookie in! Put the f—-n’ rookie in!’ So when I got there to the locker room, he just looked at me and said, ‘Your minutes are on the board.’ That’s how you know when you’re going to play. I looked at him and said, ‘Thanks, Coach,’ and he goes, ‘You f—-n’ rookie!’ 25 years later, he still remembered!”
That night was not only a recognition of Jayson’s talent but also a testament to how much respect he had earned in the league. Sharing the court with legends at The Garden, the Mecca of Basketball, was a defining moment in his career.
MJ, Kobe and the ‘98 All-Star Game Locker Room
The Last Dance documentary gave fans a glimpse into the ‘98 All-Star Game locker room, where Michael Jordan famously spoke about a young Kobe Bryant. But as Jayson explained, there was more to the story.
“Well, you know Michael is the loudest one in the room, right? He was coming in there letting us all know he wasn’t going to take the ball out because in the All-Star Game, when you take the ball out, you don’t get it back. He was just saying, ‘I want the ball and I want it every time!’ He was looking to create an enemy on the court so he could go out there and do what he’s gotta do. He’s MJ, baby! He’s the best who ever did it. You agree with that, right?”
For Jayson, that moment was special because it gave him a front-row seat to a generational passing of the torch. Kobe was young, hungry, and fearless, while MJ was still the king of the court, setting the tone for what was to come.
MJ vs. LeBron: The Eternal Debate
When it comes to the greatest of all time, opinions differ, but Jayson shared an interesting conversation he had with Michael Jordan himself about LeBron James.
“Different eras. I asked Michael this when we played golf about five months ago, and he said, ‘LeBron James could play in ANY era.’”
But when pressed on who would win in a one-on-one matchup, Williams didn’t hesitate.
“I’m taking the killer! I’m taking MJ. Yeah, it’s going to be a close score. They’re two of the best that ever did it. But that boy is strong, you know? LeBron is STRONG. But if I say MJ, LeBron might get mad, and if I say LeBron, Michael and Charles Oakley are going to get mad. I can’t win this one! I’ve been in enough trouble in my life!”
Jayson’s lighthearted take on the debate showcases just how close these discussions are among those who have been in and around the game for decades.
The All-Time St. John’s Starting Five
When asked to build an all-time St. John’s starting five, Jayson took his time before rattling off some all-time greats.
“Oh my goddess! Well, you got Chris Mullin, Walter Berry, Malik Sealy, Mark Jackson, Felipe Lopez, Shawnelle Scott, Zendon Hamilton, Boo Harvey… right? That’s a heckuva team though, and I’m coming off the bench!”
It’s clear how much pride he has in the legacy of St. John’s basketball, and his list reflects the deep talent that has come through the program.
From the Nets to Now
Reflecting on our journey from that first interview in ‘97-98 to now, it’s a reminder of how deep the game runs. Jayson Williams remains one of the most animated, passionate, and knowledgeable voices in basketball, and our conversations continue to capture the essence of the sport we both love.
From his days dominating the boards with the Nets to now being a seasoned voice in the basketball community, Jayson’s impact is undeniable. And just like back in ‘97-98, we’re still talking hoops, still laughing and still learning from each other.
Jayson’s story is one of triumphs, lessons, and an undying love for the game. Whether he’s reminiscing about his playing days, breaking down the state of college basketball, or weighing in on the GOAT debate, one thing is for sure—Jayson Williams will always keep it real, and that’s why he remains one of the most respected voices in the game today.
You can watch the full interview with Jayson Williams and Scoop B by clicking here.
