words // Brandon Richard
Before making the jump to the NBA in 2005, Lou Williams was a prep star at Snellville, Georgia's South Gwinnett High School. There he was a four-time All-State selection, was named Georgia's "Mr. Basketball" during his junior and senior year and won the 2005 Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award. As a junior, he also led the team to a 5A state championship.
Back in July, Williams signed a free agent deal with the Atlanta Hawks. The move from Philly not only gives Lou a fresh start professionally, but allows him to return to the area where he made a name for himself. Earlier today, Williams and his new Hawks teammates made the 30-minute trip to Snellville to surprise local elementary and high school students at his alma mater.
"The Voice of the Hawks" Steve Holman, mascot Harry the Hawk and the Hawks Cheerleaders entertained the crowd, handing out rally towels and performing dance routines as Head Coach Larry Drew took the team through practice before closing with a scrimmage. Mayor Kelly Kautz and councilman Mike Sabbagh were also in attendance.
Though he's a Converse athlete, Lou made the Gwinnett trip in the Black/Red Air Jordan 11. He wowed the crowd with a few highlight-worthy plays, including dunks that lived up to the reputation of the sneakers he wore.
Check out a few shots of Lou Williams going back to school in Air Jordan 11s below.
