Jaison Williams is perhaps Xavier's forgotten freshman. And what fans probably haven't forgotten is the part he wishes they would.

        The 6-foot-3 guard became an afterthought in recruiting rankings last year when he was dismissed from his Aurora (Colo.) Hinkley High School team, a story picked apart in the media both here and in the Rockies. Plus, those who thought highly of his talents might figure him for a limited role this year because of rust.

        All of which makes Williams “anxious,” he says, for a fresh start when games begin. The guy who comes across in person as the most relaxed, friendly Musketeer wants to show he has been misunderstood.

        “With either people not knowing about me or people already having a perception of me, that's the fun part — letting everybody know who I really am or what I'm about,” he said.

        Williams' saga the past two years is one he'd like to put behind him — leaving three high school programs in 16 months.

        He was dismissed from Hinkley's team four games into the season by coach Dan Jarvis for violating team rules — being late for or missing classes and practices; disrespect for teammates, coaches and officials; and having substandard academics. That came just more than a year after Williams won a court case allowing him to transfer from Aurora Smoky Hill, where he had left the team just prior to the 1999-2000 season.

        “It came off really wrong,” Williams said of the Hinkley situation. “They tried to make it seem like I was a rebel kid. I'm not a bad kid.”

        Williams already had signed with XU, and in February he enrolled at Columbus (Ohio) Northland. His parents were planning a move to Columbus, and Williams moved in with an aunt in Northland's district.

        Northland believed Williams to be eligible to join its team, so he did, playing in three games. But the Ohio High School Athletic Association informed Northland it was mistaken because of residency bylaws. Williams graduated from Northland without incident.

        XU athletic director Mike Bobinski said last season that Williams “needs to grow up.” But Bobinski says now that Williams has been a model student at XU and all fears have been allayed.

        Said XU coach Thad Matta: “I told him, "I don't know what happened in the past, but we're about accountability here.' And Jaison has done great on and off the court.”

        Williams can play either guard spot, and Matta said he wouldn't restrict him to a single position.

        “I'll do whatever they need me to,” Williams said. “This is a fresh start, and I'm ready to show everybody what I can do.”

        HELPING HAND: Lionel Chalmers is 9 inches shorter and 47 pounds lighter than freshman Will Caudle, so no one will mistake Chalmers for a big brother. But Chalmers has helped Caudle handle the news that he is ineligible for this season.

        “I told him I was in the same boat,” Chalmers said. “Honestly, he's taking it better than I took it.”

        Caudle, who declined a request last week to discuss the NCAA ruling, is able to practice with the team.

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