American basketball player (1956–2022)
Freeman Williams Williams as a senior at PSU
Born (1956-05-15 ) May 15, 1956Los Angeles, California , U.S.Died April 19, 2022(2022-04-19) (aged 65) Listed height 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) Listed weight 190 lb (86 kg) High school Manual Arts College Portland State (1974–1978)NBA draft 1978 : 1st round, 8th overall pickSelected by the Boston Celtics Playing career 1978–1993 Position Shooting guard / small forward Number 20, 5 1978 –1982 San Diego Clippers 1982 Atlanta Hawks 1982 Utah Jazz 1984–1985 Tampa Bay Thrillers 1985–1986 Washington Bullets 1986 Tampa Bay Thrillers 1993 Miami Tropics
Points 4,738 (14.7 ppg) Rebounds 510 (1.6 rpg) Assists 516 (1.6 apg)
Stats Stats
Freeman Williams Jr. (May 15, 1956 – April 19, 2022) was an American professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Portland State Vikings , where he was a two-time All-American and twice led the nation in scoring. He began his NBA career playing 2+ 1 ⁄2 years with the San Diego Clippers , and also had stints with the Atlanta Hawks , Utah Jazz and Washington Bullets .
College career
Williams attended Portland State University , where he became the school's all-time scoring leader.[1] NCAA Division I scoring leader in 1977 and 1978, and a consensus second-team All-American in 1978. He is third in Division I history in career scoring , trailing only Pete Maravich and Antoine Davis .
Professional career
Williams was a 1978 first round draft pick (8th overall) by the Boston Celtics .[2] San Diego Clippers . On January 19, 1980, Williams scored 51 points in a game against the Phoenix Suns .[3] Elton Brand did so 25 years later.[4] three-point field goals for three consecutive seasons from 1980 through 1982.[5] 1981-82 season , the Clippers traded Williams to the Atlanta Hawks for Al Wood and Charlie Criss .[6]
In September 1982, Williams was traded along with John Drew and cash to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Dominique Wilkins , who was drafted by the Jazz and refused to sign.[7] 1982–83 ), Williams only played in 27 more games: 18 with Utah in 1983 and nine with the Washington Bullets in 1986.
In 1987, Williams played in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) for the Tanduay Rhum Masters , where he famously scored 82 points, including 10 three-pointers, in one game.
Personal life
Freeman had a small part in the 1992 film White Men Can't Jump [8]
During and after his playing career, Williams struggled with substance abuse issues. After his professional basketball career ended, he became close friends with John Lucas II , who also struggled with substance abuse, and Lucas became a mentor of sorts to Williams.[9]
Williams died on April 19, 2022. He was 65.[10]
