On June 28th, 2006 the Utah Jazz selected Deron Williams with the 3rd overall pick in the NBA Draft. A 6'3" point guard, Deron has impressive court vision, versatility and flexibility to lead the Jazz to victory. His outstanding defense and his ability to control the game also contribute to his success on the court. While playing at the University of Illinois, Deron established himself as one of the top point guards in the country and led the Fighting Illini to the 2005 NCAA Tournament Finals. Recognizing his ability on the court, competitive spirit and his winsome personality, advertising partners such as Nike, EA Sports and others have seen the benefits of teaming with this rising NBA star.
- Named to USA Basketball in May 2007
- Averaged 25.8 points and 7.8 assists per game in the 2007 NBA Western Conference Finals
- Averaged 19.2 points and 8.6 assists per game in the 2007 NBA Playoffs
- Led the Utah Jazz to its first appearance in the NBA Western Conference Finals since 1998
- Led the Utah Jazz to its first appearance in the NBA Playoffs since 2003
- Ranked second in the NBA in assists per game
- Started in 80 of the 82 regular season games and averaged 16.2 points, 9.3 assists per game
- Scored a career high 28 points against the Atlanta Hawks in the 2005-2006 NBA Season
- Dished out a career high of 13 assists twice, both against Golden State in the 2005-2006 NBA Season
- Named to the 2005-06 T-Mobile NBA All-Star Rookie First Team
- 2005 NBA Draft - Third Overall Selection by the Utah Jazz
- Legacy of Achievement: 2004-2005 All-American Recognition, 2004-2005 Big Ten MVP, 2005 NCAA All Final Four Team and Regional MOP, Global Games MVP
- Second all-time assist leader at the University of Illinois with 594 (seventh in Big Ten history)
- Ranks eighth on the Illini career three point field goals list with 163 treys
- First player in Big Ten history to lead the conference in assists for three consecutive years
- Set single season Illini and Big Ten record for assists with 264
- Averaged 12.5 points per game in 2004-2005 and 14.7 during the NCAA Tournament
- Illini compiled a three season overall record of 88-16 (.846) and 39-9 (.813) in Big Ten play
- Illini won two regular season
Big Ten titles, two Big Ten Tournament titles and participated in the NCAA Tournament all three seasons advancing to the Second Round, Sweet 16 and the National Championship game, respectively.