Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Trey Williams, Loyola basketball

Trey Williams is a senior point guard for the 15-2 Ramblers. He was an all-tournament selection at the Holiday Hoopfest in Florida and is committed to Cornell University.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals?

We have those button-up (warmup) pants, so before our games, I’ll always go every-other button before we run out (on the floor). And while we are in the huddle outside, I’ll button all of them fully. That’s my thing.

2. Why Cornell?

When I went there, coach (Jon Jaques) and the coaching staff were just awesome when I spent the whole day there. They play a style that I like to run. They score a lot. They score a lot; they are like (third) in points per game. I like to run too. It’s just a good fit in that way, and obviously the academics was a big piece as well.

3. How has your game grown while at Loyola?

Definitely becoming more of a selfless player, making sure that I make the winning plays. Coach (Tom) Livatino is big on intangibles — what else other than scoring can I do to make an impact on winning? So I focus on doing all the little intangible stuff that makes a big impact in winning.

4. Would you rather hit a game-winning three or game-winning drive and layup?

I’d definitely rather hit a game-winning three. It’s a better feeling in my opinion. I’ve never hit like a buzzer-beating one, but I had a go-ahead one with like a second left back in middle school.

5. What would be your dream job?

My dad he’s an investment salesman. He enjoys it. So going down that route, like private equity or something like that, might interest me.

6. If you could play another sport, what would it be?

I was always a big baseball guy. I might tryout in the spring again. I’d definitely play baseball again. Being in the dugout is always awesome.

7. What is your favorite thing to do off the court?

We’re really into golfing, a lot of my teammates. We golf a lot together and it’s really competitive. We play for Chipotle or the round. I’m not really good at all, but it’s competitive so it’s a lot of fun. (Who is the best golfer?) I’m going to have to give it to Sam Golden. He’s pretty good. He’s got a great swing; it’s pretty effortless.

8. If you are in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

I’m a big Sour Patch (Kids) Watermelon guy. Those or a bag of Skittles. Maybe one of those thick (Power) Crunch bars.

9. What’s something people don’t know about you?

I have four sisters. That sometimes shocks some people. I’m second oldest. It’s never really a quiet house. It’s always fun. … My older sister and I were pretty competitive growing up. We played soccer and basketball together and it was a good way to compete. But there is always something going on, which I think is fun, even though it can get a little annoying at times.

10. Midway through the season, how do you feel where this team is?

Right now, we definitely feel like we got a long way to go. The success we’ve had has been great, but coaches have done a good job putting in perspective that we’re nowhere near where we need to be to be our best. We’re happy going 15-2, but we’re not satisfied. We understand it’s going to take a lot more out of us to get to where we want to be.

I really like the guys on our team; we don’t ever get bored of each other. We’re still all super excited to have this final opportunity to compete together. We’re not satisfied but having a great time together.

The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Become a member of The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a member? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.