Walter Johnson boys basketball head coach Chase Rieder has made a major addition to his first-year coaching staff, bringing on former Georgetown standout and longtime NBA player Jerome “Junkyard Dog” Williams as an assistant coach.
Rieder confirmed the move this week, describing Williams as a significant asset to the Wildcats’ rebuilding efforts. “I’ve known Jerome for years now through the NBA. He helped me get an interview with some private schools in the area years ago. Once I got the job, he reached out to congratulate me and said he’s considering putting his son, Jeremiah, into WJ instead of different private schools in the area.” Rieder said.
The addition of Williams brings professional experience and a recognizable basketball pedigree to the program. Williams played four seasons at Georgetown before embarking on a 10-year NBA career, suiting up for the Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, and New York Knicks. Known for his defense, intensity, and community involvement, he became a fan favorite league-wide.
Rieder said he and Williams are aligned on the vision for the program. “We’re looking to build a real basketball program at WJ,” he explained. “With Jerome’s and my NBA experience, we are running it like a true NBA system.”
Rieder was named WJ’s varsity head coach in April and stepped into the role with deep ties to the school and the program. The WJ graduate previously spent five years working at the school as a paraeducator while coaching both JV and varsity boys basketball. He most recently served as head coach at Northwest High School, where he led the Jaguars to their first-ever 4A West Regional Championship during the 2021–2022 season.
In addition to coaching at WJ, Rieder has worked for the Washington Wizards as a team attendant since 2007, gaining firsthand exposure to NBA players, coaches, and staff. He is also the co-founder of the WJ Basketball Camp and has coached multiple sports at the school, including boys tennis and girls varsity flag football.
With Rieder at the helm and Williams joining the staff, WJ is positioning itself for a fresh era rooted in high-level instruction and professional standards. “This is a big step for our program,” Rieder said. “We want to build something real here, something that reflects the work, culture, and expectations of the highest level of basketball.”
