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Maryland Newsline Tuesday, March 5, 2002 He's rarely called Walt Williams any more. He's just "The Wizard"--the nickname that former University of Maryland coach Bob Wade gave him. The forward-guard for the Houston Rockets is remembered at his alma mater for his loyalty to the Terps. Williams had the chance to transfer to another school, to bask in the spotlight at a university that had not had NCAA sanctions slapped on it. But he chose to stay and finish his degree at Maryland. Many believe that he helped the Terps rebound from a low point in the school's performance and spirit, due to sanctions that ended in 1992. The sanctions were imposed in response to rule violations by then-coach Wade. By the end of Williams' last season in 1992, he was breaking school records -- with a 26.8-point game average and 776 points in a season. Tickets were beginning to sell out at the nearly 14,600-seat field house. During his sophomore year, he started getting offers to go pro, he says, but he decided he wanted to finish his education first. Staying with the Terps, and completing his degree, helped him get in the professional lottery, he says. Williams, 31, returns to Maryland during the off-season. He shares a home in Brookeville with his high school sweetheart and wife, April, as well as his two sons; Walter, 3, and Kamari, 21 months. His family moves with him between Houston and Maryland. He says he's already started playing ball with his sons. "I'm getting them ready," he laughs. Cole Field House holds a lot of sentimental value for him. He says this was the building that made him realize that he had a chance against the big guys. This was where the cheering of the fans (his first game, returning from a leg injury) "gave chills through my body." He says he has never had a feeling like that since—not even in the NBA.
Copyright ©
2002 University
of Maryland College of Journalism
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