ORLANDO, Fla. (February 12, 2025) -- The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is pleased to announce that Jerome “Junkyard Dog” Williams has officially been appointed an AAU Sports Ambassador. Williams is part of the AAU Youth Basketball Advisory Council (YBAC) led by 10x NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony.

With Williams’ appointment, AAU President Jo Mirza, Council Chair Carmelo Anthony and the YBAC are rolling out the next phase of YBAC’s vision to improve the development and overall foundation of youth basketball for athletes, parents and coaches.

Drawing on his experience as an NBA Global Ambassador, the 9-year NBA veteran's role as AAU Ambassador will place him at events across the country, serving as a mentor to athletes and as an advocate of the AAU story. There are potential appearances lined up with the AAU Basketball World Championships, AAU Junior Olympic Games, the NBA Summer League, and the NBA & WNBA All Star Games.

He will also be assisting the organization with outreach efforts through the AAU Cares and AAU Reads programs. Williams is deeply involved in grassroots basketball efforts, and his passion will continue to connect the AAU to athletes across the country.

“The new AAU is about involving AAU alumni who align with our mission of “Sports For All, Forever” and are committed to giving back on and off the court,” said Jo Mirza, AAU President. “Through his dedication to young athletes everywhere, Jerome Williams is an embodiment of that mission, and we welcome him as an AAU Sports Ambassador.”

(Jerome Williams with AAU President, Jo Mirza and AAU Basketball National Chair, Boo Williams)

At this year’s Times Square Takeover 3v3 tournament, Williams was present to talk with players and coaches about opportunities for them to thrive, his experiences in the NBA, and helped with AAU Cares initiatives like AAU Reads. The program helps underserved youth by providing books and other educational tools at AAU events.

Reading and youth education have long been passions for Williams, who has authored several books and is actively working on his newest piece R.O.L.E. Player. His previous works include titles Boot Camp, Home Team, and Triple Threat, books written for young readers to learn more about teamwork, community, and proving they can do anything they put their mind to.

"My life has been filled with countless opportunities tied to sports & education largely because of the 'Role-player mindset' I’ve carried since elementary school,” said Jerome Williams, AAU Sports Ambassador. “I feel AAU is the best place for families to develop the tools needed for their kids to be successful in life.”

Since his playing days, Williams has been involved in a variety of projects like joining the NBA’s “Basketball Without Borders” program. He also has been deeply involved in “Shooting for Peace”, a digital education program for kids across North America that brings communities together and encourages young people to engage in peaceful activities.

He formerly served as the President for Young3, the community outreach division of the BIG3 league. Young3 travels around the country developing confidence, teamwork, and promoting physical and mental health to youth athletes.

The AAU is committed to the development of youth athletes across the country, and through his drive to empower and inspire, Jerome Williams is set to help share the AAU message with the next generation.