Duke to retire Elizabeth Williams’ jersey

DURHAM, N.C.—Duke will be adding another jersey to the rafters in a few weeks.

The Duke women’s basketball program has announced that it will retire Elizabeth Williams’ jersey at halftime on December 29 against Kentucky at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Williams joins storied company, as she becomes only the third women’s player to have her jersey retired, along with Alana Beard and Lindsey Harding. And with one look at her stats, it’s no wonder why.

During her four years at Duke, Williams was a four-time All-American. She totaled 1,955 points, 1,078 rebounds and 426 blocks. That amounts to 14.4 ppg, 7.9 rpb and 3.1 bpg. Williams graduated as the fourth leading scorer in Duke history and the second leading rebounder.

Following her career at Duke, Williams was the fourth pick in the 2015 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun. As a member of the Atlanta Dream this past season, she was named the 2016 Most Improved Player by the league.

But when it comes to reflecting on her time in college, Williams has said it still does not feel real.

“For me to sit here and say that my jersey is going to be retired is so surreal. It's really difficult to put into words what it will mean to have my jersey hanging in the rafters among Duke basketball legends,” Williams said.

“The credit goes to every single teammate, staff member and coach that I encountered in my four year career. This may be a basketball achievement, but its meaning extends far beyond the lines of a court. From the nine-year old awkward basketball player to the young woman in her second year of professional basketball, I thank any and every one that made my dreams possible and led me to this moment.”