NBA star Jerome 'Junkyard Dog' Williams visits St. John's

Basketball fans in St. John's had a slam dunk of a weekend, whenNBA star Jerome Williams, aka the Junkyard Dog,came to town.

The former Toronto Raptor and nine-year NBA veteran spent Saturdaytakingselfies, signing autographsand giving fist bumps to fans.

"The reception has been phenomenal. The dog pound has come out in droves, they're barking all over the place," said Williams.

"The fun part about the game is when fans are able to interact with you, get to know you, and get some of their questions answered."

Williams also oversawa three-point challenge, a skills competition, and a slam dunk contest for young players at the Memorial University Field House.

Williams was in St. John's to promote an upcoming All-Star game in Torontothe first ever to be played in Canada.

He'spart of a crew of players touring the country,going to 14 cities and 10 provinces between November and February.

"It's been a lot of fun because the fans are so excited. It's written all over their faces," he said.

"That's the best part of being an NBA ambassadorthey get the chance to meet me and shake hands and get the fistbumpsout there, and get the dog pound barking."

Young players thrilled

Williams also visited St. Paul's Junior High onFriday, much to the excitement of student Matthew Burt.

"It was really cool. When we all found out it was like, whoa, that's amazing, an NBA player.He played some one on one with us, it was really fun," said Burt.

"It was really inspiring. The Raptors are my favourite team so it was really amazing to see Jerome come out to our school and just hang out with us."

Young basketball player Taylor Frizzel-Ryanwasn't supposed to take part in the three-point competition because ofa concussion. But she says she just couldn't pass up the opportunity.

"It's been a lot of fun. Nervous at first," she said.

"I'm not really supposed to be here, but it's an opportunity so I can't really miss out on it."