After two surgeries to repair his pelvis, Bulls guard Jay Williams was discharged from Illinois Masonic Medical Center late Wednesday and flew to Durham, N.C.

Williams will be admitted to Duke University Medical Center to continue his recovery from the injuries he sustained in a June 19 motorcycle accident. Williams was a three-year star at Duke.

A statement Williams' family released Thursday said the recovery process includes knee ligament surgery and rehabilitation. Sources have said Williams faces "multiple surgeries" on his left knee and he surely will miss the 2003-04 season.

Recent developments, described in the statement as "substantial improvements," have those in the Williams camp confident the 21-year-old can tackle an unprecedented rehabilitation process and return to the NBA.

Williams' injuries were so severe doctors initially feared they would have to amputate his left leg.

Williams has showed movement in areas that suggest his nerve damage is reversing, according to his agent, Bill Duffy. Williams also has begun taking small steps with physical therapists.