Fly Williams
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born |
February 18, 1953 Brooklyn, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Listed height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Listed weight | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Glen Springs Academy (Watkins Glen, New York) |
| College | Austin Peay (1972–1974) |
| NBA draft | 1976 / Round: 9 / Pick: 152nd overall |
| Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers | |
| Position | Shooting guard |
| Number | 35 |
| Career history | |
| 1974–1975 | Spirits of St. Louis |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
James "Fly" Williams (born February 18, 1953) is a retired American professional basketball player. A noted street basketball player from New York, he once scored 100 points in an IS8 League game in 1978.
Born in Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York, he attended Madison High School, where he initially was interested in playing baseball. He was a pitcher, but was advised that he had become too tall to remain competitive in that sport. His initial introduction to basketball did not go well, but he eventually made the adjustment to the new game. His ability to play basketball came from his frequent participation in street basketball games. He played with some of New York's finest street players such as World B. Free and Earl "the Goat" Manigault. When the games eventually ended, he would go out in search of more opportunities to play basketball. Williams dominated the sport of basketball at Madison High School in the early 1970s. By his freshman year, he was 6 ft 5 in, with outstanding moves, a fantastic shot, a terrific knowledge of the back board action, and could play the crowds. However, due to his poor attendance at Madison High, Williams completed high school at a prep school, Glen Springs Academy, in Watkins Glen New York. The book Heaven Is a Playground discusses, among other things, the education of Fly Williams. According to "Loose Balls" author Terry Pluto, Williams took the nickname in homage to Curtis "Super Fly" Mayfield. He was known for his play at Rucker Park and The Hole (Brownsille)
After Williams completed high school, he was recruited by an assistant basketball coach, Leonard Hamilton, to attend Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee.
Williams arrived on campus in 1972. He was greeted by a reception which included a sky-writing demonstration which spelled out his name. His freshman year, playing as a guard, his scoring record was especially noteworthy. Williams averaged 29.4 points per game in 1973, fifth best in the nation. The Austin Peay State University basketball team, the Governors, won a bid to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament. Williams was true to form; scoring 26 points in a first-round win over Jacksonville University. In the second round of the tournament, Williams managed another 26 points, but the Austin Peay Governors lost to the University of Kentucky, coached by Joe B. Hall, in overtime.
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