Deron Williams spent three years in orange before announcing last spring that he would leave Illinois a year early to try his luck in the NBA. Williams was the third player selected in the 2005 NBA draft, and is now getting ready to start his career with the Utah Jazz. This weekend he stopped by Champaign as he traveled from NBA rookie camp to Jazz preseason camp in Boise, Idaho. He took time to catch up with former teammates and coaches, take in Saturday’s football game and talk to the DI about life after the March to the Arch.

Q: What did you do this summer once the draft was over and you knew you were headed to Salt Lake City?

A: I played in the summer league out there in Utah, got a good experience out of that. Got to know the coaches, learn the offense, things like that. I’m out there just working out now, getting settled into my house.

Q: Are you excited for training camp?

A: Oh, definitely. You’ve just got to try to go in ready. You’ve got to get in the best shape of your life. You’ve got to go in ready to practice and hit it hard, because that’s where you’ll probably determine what your playing time is. Training camp is about a week long, then you’re into games.

Q: The Jazz have not had a true point guard since John Stockton. Do you see yourself filling that role quickly; does it seem like you’re going to be able to step in there and make a difference pretty early?

A: I think they’re definitely asking me to. It’s going to be a tough adjustment to come in and run a team my rookie year, but I look forward to the challenge, and I feel like I’m capable of doing that. I’m ready for that.

Q: What have you been working on the most to prepare for the transition to the NBA?

A: Everything. I’ve got my body right, been shooting a lot of jump shots, working on ball handling, pick-and-rolls, just trying to expand all parts of my game.

Q: What do you think has been the hardest part so far?

A: It hasn’t been too hard. It’s been great. It’s not easier than college, but it’s easier because you have more time. You go in the morning, you work out, knock that out, and you don’t have class after that. You can go home, rest, get focused and get ready for the next day.

Q: What are you the most excited for about being part of the Jazz organization?

A: I’m just happy to be in the NBA and be part of a good organization. They have a history of winning, despite last season, and I look forward to getting that back.

Q: Is it kind of exciting to be back on campus?

A: It’s definitely exciting. It’s fun to come back, see these guys, see your teammates, your coaches and just be back in Champaign.

Q: What do you expect to see from the Illini this year?

A: I think they’re going to be good. Other than Dee and James, somebody else is going to have to step up. A couple guys are going to have to step up if they’re going to be really good. But I think they can; I think there are a couple guys in there who are willing to step up.

Q: Is there anything you miss about Champaign yet?

A: Just college life is fun. Playing with these guys, games at Assembly Hall, all that. Just Champaign. I’m really going to miss it.