SAN FRANCISCO — Nigel Williams-Goss and Joseph Young are two of the best guards in the Pac-12, cut from the same cloth, you could say. They are listed an inch apart — Williams-Goss has the edge — and the same weight. Literally, same cloth.
Only their play on the court could not be more different.
Young, an Oregon senior, is a scorer to the max, the conference’s leading returner at 18.9 points per game last year, an all-conference second-team pick. He puts everything into his offense, sometimes to the detriment of his all-around game. But at nearly 20 points per, it works, even if opposing coaches know it’s coming.
“Defenses are going to be tilted to slow him down,” Oregon coach Dana Altman said. “Anybody that gets 19 a game, any coach is going to look at that; that’s where their defensive preparation is going to start.”
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Williams-Goss, a Washington sophomore, presents a different challenge, a more well-rounded one. He averaged 13.4 points, 4.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds last season as a freshman, capping a fine year with a Pac-12 all-freshman team selection. His game is dangerous at every level, and now, like Young, he adds a leadership component that was missing last season.
“He doesn’t know any other way but to lead,” Washington head coach Lorenzo Romar said. “You put him right now in any situation, he’ll sit back and assess the situation. Before you know it, he’ll be trying to lead.”
We caught up with the two guards at Pac-12 media day and pitted them 1-on-1:
What is the hardest aspect of your life as a college basketball player?
Nigel Williams-Goss: “The long days man. We’ve got stuff that’s mandatory – study tape, tutoring, class, practice, weights, team dinner — all of it is mandatory and that’s one day. Trying to balance with homework is tough.”
Joseph Young: “Not looking forward to the future when you have success. Lots of people have success, say they’re going to the NBA, and they take it for granted and stop working hard. A lot of college athletes don’t know they can’t do that. You have to forget about that. It’s about now. The present.”
On the flip side, what is the best aspect of life as a hoops star?
Williams-Goss: “It’s a blessing to be a student-athlete at this level. All these programs have such great history. Everyone knows you on campus.”
Young: “The best thing is getting that little fame the fans give you. You’re having fun out there, get a chance to experience things that a lot of people can’t.”
Who is the single most important influence in your career?
Williams-Goss: “My mom and my dad. They did a great job raising me, keeping my head on straight, staying focused, not losing track of my goals.”
Young: “My father. He harps on me about staying in the gym and attacking with 110 percent.”
What would you be doing if you weren’t playing college basketball?
Williams-Goss: “Studying like I am now. I’d be getting my degree.”
Young: “Just going to school somewhere.”
If you could trade places with anyone on your campus, who would it be and why?
Williams-Goss: “For a short period of time, a week or a weekend, just a regular student. Just to be regular would be cool — no pressures, don’t have eyes on you at all times. But only for a short period of time.”
Young: “(Oregon running back) Royce Freeman.”
If you could witness one event in recorded history, what would it be?
Williams-Goss: “I would do anything to see Muhammad Ali fight in person.”
Young: “If I could see anything, I’d love to see my dad (Michael) get drafted.”
Tell me one thing people don’t know about your head coach.
Williams-Goss: “People don’t realize how funny (Romar) is. People know he’s a good guy, but he’s a comedian off the floor.”
Young: “Dana Altman doesn’t like to put media makeup on.”
Which opposing player are you closest to?
Williams-Goss: “Last year would’ve been (Arizona star) Nick Johnson. We’re close, high school teammates for two years. I really enjoyed playing against him last year.”
Young: “Stanley Johnson from Arizona, we’re close. Rondae (Hollis-Jefferson), we’re close. Delon Wright from Utah.”
Do you believe the full scholarship package is enough?
Williams-Goss: “It’s sufficient, covers room and board. I really don’t have much to worry about in terms of the financial end.”
Young: “Package should be bigger. I don’t complain too much, but if you work hard, you should get what you deserve. You can only control what you can control, and that’s something I can’t control.”
What is your greatest basketball memory?
Williams-Goss: “My best basketball memory was when I found out I was a McDonald’s All-American. That was a lifelong dream of mine. There was no feeling like it.”
Young: “I hit a hook shot, a game-winner from three, buzzer beater, gave us national championship when I was a senior in high school.”
What is the best thing about being a Husky/Duck?
Williams-Goss, on being a Husky: “Carrying on the legacy. We’ve had a great tradition of guard — Isaiah Thomas, Tony Wroten, Nate Robinson, Brandon Roy. Being in line of that legacy is an honor and a blessing.”
Young, on being a Duck: “The gear. You know. You get the gear.”
If you had an extra few hours per day, how would you spend it?
Williams-Goss: “I would watch movies. I love watching movies, and I never have time to. ”
Young: “I don’t sleep. That’s a no, I hate sleep. Probably in the gym, get some cardio in, something to sustain my body. Not basketball, I’d read a book.”
