Although Williams’ transition to basketball was difficult at first, he eventually made adjustments that allowed him to excel in his new game. Williams' popularity quickly grew due to frequent participation in street basketball games. He played with some of New York's finest street players, including World B. Free and Earl "the Goat" Manigault. When the neighborhood games eventually ended, Williams would go out in search of more opportunities to play basketball.
Williams dominated Madison High hoops in the early 1970s. By his freshman year, he stood 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) tall, possessing elusive moves, a fantastic shot, knowledge of backboard action and an seemingly innate ability to work crowds. However, due to poor attendance at Madison, Williams transferred and completed high school at Glen Springs Academy, a prep school.[2] in Watkins Glen, New York. The book Heaven Is a Playground discusses, among other things, the education of Fly Williams.[3] According to sportswriter Terry Pluto, Williams assumed the nickname as an homage to singer Curtis "Super Fly" Mayfield.[4] Williams was known for his play at Rucker Park and The Hole in Brownsville.[5]
Williams arrived on campus in 1972. A substantial reception greeted him upon arrival, which included a sky-writing demonstration spelling out his name.[6] His scoring record as a freshman was impressive. Williams averaged 29.4 points per game in 1973, fifth best in the nation. When the Austin Peay Governors won a bid to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament, Williams scored 26 points in a first-round win over Jacksonville University. In the second round of the tournament, Williams again scored 26, but the Governors lost in overtime to the University of Kentucky, coached by Joe B. Hall.
Williams scored 51 points twice as a freshman. In his sophomore season, Williams averaged 27.5 points per game, good enough for the third-highest average in the NCAA. Once again, the Governors basketball team won a bid for the NCAA tournament. Williams again scored 26 points, but Austin Peay lost to Notre Dame, 108–66, in the first round.
During his time at Austin Peay, Williams scored 1,541 points with a 28.5 point per game average.[7] He left college due to hardship and pursued a professional career. In 1975, Austin Peay was able to follow up Williams' two years of scoring numbers by opening the Dunn Center, a larger gymnasium, which accommodated the increased attendance at basketball games.
The 1974–75 season was a disappointment to Williams and his team. He only managed to score 9.4 points per game for the Spirits.[9] Williams’ scoring was erratic and he became known more for his showmanship than his scoring proficiency. He did not play during the following year (1975–76), after which the Spirits of St. Louis were one of two teams, along with the Kentucky Colonels, to fold as a result of the ABA-NBA merger. Williams ended up without a team despite some interest in retaining him in the league, but eventually the Philadelphia 76ers selected Williams in the ninth round (152nd overall) of the 1976 NBA draft, despite not signing him to a player contract.[9]
Williams then played in the Continental Basketball Association and the Eastern League,[10] but he failed to attract attention by NBA scouts. He later played for a team in Israel, eventually admitting that his temperament probably predicated his lack of serious offers after the leagues merged.
Retirement
Williams's career ended when he was shot by an off-duty police officer. The shotgun wound left him with decreased lung capacity and scars on his back. In retirement, Williams spent time working with disadvantaged youth and continued to play "streetball"; Williams is listed as the number two athlete on the "50 Greatest Streetballers of All Time" by the Street Basketball Association (SBA).
While playing at Austin Peay, Williams' nickname inspired a humorous fan chant: "The Fly is open, let's go Peay!" Fans still chant "Let's Go Peay" at all basketball games. Williams' number 35 jersey was retired by Austin Peay State University on February 5, 2009.[11]
A book on the life of Williams was written by Knoxville, Tennessee-based author Dave Link. Called The Fly 35 (citing his jersey number at Austin Peay), it was published to coincide with the jersey retirement ceremony.
In May 2017, Williams was arrested in Brooklyn, NY, and charged with being the alleged leader of a large heroin distribution ring.[12][13][14]
^Pluto, Terry (November 6, 2007). Loose Balls: The Short, Wild Life of the American Basketball Association (reprint ed.). Simon & Schuster. p. 360. ISBN978-1416540618.
