July 3, 2003

By NANCY ARMOUR
AP Sports Writer

Jay Williams has been transferred to Duke University Medical Center, where he'll continue rehabilitation for career-threatening injuries to his knee and pelvis.

The Chicago Bulls guard was released Wednesday from Illinois Masonic and flown to Durham, N.C., his family said in a statement Thursday.

He has made "substantial improvements" in the two weeks since his motorcycle crash, and agent Bill Duffy said Williams took a step last weekend with the help of a physical therapist.

"It is very positive," Duffy said Thursday. "We're all praying diligently, and Jay has a great outlook. He's making progress, and we're all very excited."

Williams, a former Duke star and college player of the year, bought a new motorcycle June 12. One week after its purchase, he slammed into a pole on Chicago's North Side, putting his promising future in jeopardy.

He's had surgery twice to repair a broken pelvis, and has damaged ligaments in his left knee. He will have knee surgery at Duke, Duffy said.

Jason Williams on Feb. 5, 2003, during his retirement ceremony at Cameron Indoor Stadium

Duffy said Duke, one of the country's top medical centers, will provide a "healing atmosphere" for Williams. He was a two-time All-American at Duke and remains close to Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski. Williams' number was retired at Cameron Indoor Stadium last year.

"The Williams family wants to thank everyone in the city of Chicago and across the nation for the outpouring of support and prayers during this dramatic time," the family said the statement. "Jay's condition continues to improve, and the outlook for his future looks very good."

While Williams' basketball future is uncertain, Duffy said he still hopes the No. 2 pick in the 2002 draft will be able to play again someday, possibly as early as the 2004-05 season.

"I think it's in God's hands," Duffy said. "That's what we're hoping for."