J3 open for naturalization

MANILA, Philippines —  Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters import Johnathan (J3) Williams is ready to suit up for Gilas as a naturalized player if the opportunity comes along and won’t hesitate to give it his all. Williams, 28, played for the US gold medal squads in the 2011 FIBA U16 Americas and 2012 FIBA U17 World Cup so he knows the feeling of wearing national colors. FIBA now allows players to switch countries like Eric Gordon who saw action for the US at the 2010 FIBA World Cup and the Bahamas in the 2024 Olympic pre-qualifiers.

Williams said it’s a privilege to play for a country and cited TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s case. Hollis-Jefferson was in the USA U17 pool in 2012 and naturalized to play for Jordan at the recent Hangzhou Asian Games.

Williams said his parents Johnny and Barbara influenced his dedication to hard work. “My dad worked for the federal government and my mom managed two day care facilities,” he said. “My brother Johnny played at George Mason. We’re a close-knit family. I’m single with no children. Every day, I speak to my mom on the phone. I’m called J3 because my dad’s the first and my brother’s the second. We were raised reading the Bible so J3 is also a testament to Jesus rising from the dead after three days.”