By Mark Burke
Assistant Sports Editor
During his basketball career, Russellville native Corliss Williamson has had his share of awards.
Topping that list no doubt is an NCAA national championship with the Arkansas Razorbacks in 1994 and an NBA title with the Detroit Pistons 10 years later.
"The Big Nasty" also has an NBA Sixth Man Award (2002) to his name. However, things have slowed some for Williamson as he gets closer to the end of his playing career.
The former Cyclone standout will be entering his 12th NBA season when he suits up with the Sacramento Kings -- the team that drafted him 13th overall in 1995 -- this fall. While he doesn't want to call it quits yet, the end is in sight.
"I'm getting to the point where I'd like to spend more time with my family," Williamson said Friday while in town for ValleyFest. "I feel like I have a few more years left in me, but there are other things in life I want to do."
Williamson and former Hog teammate Elmer Martin were among the judges for the slam dunk contest Friday at ValleyFest. Seeing young and aspiring basketball players is where Williamson's heart lies.
"I love helping young players try to get better," Williamson said. "I'm sure I'll be doing something like that when I do decide to quit playing. ... It's really special being able to help young guys work on their game."
Williamson still has one year left on his contract with the Kings and has been looked to as a veteran leader for his younger teammates in recent years. His role on the court decreased this past season, averaging just under 10 minutes per game. Having his minutes cut wasn't exactly what Williamson wanted, but then again, that's business.
"Yeah, it bothered me, but I know how the NBA works," Williamson said. "A player is either going to play a whole lot or is going to see little playing time. I'm still able to contribute on the team by helping the younger guys out."
Still, Williamson is anxious to get on the court more. With Sacramento hiring new head coach Eric Musselman -- who was formerly with the Golden State Warriors -- in early June, Williamson hopes there will be changes made in that regard.
"I still have a lot of basketball left in me, and hopefully this new coach (Musselman) will give me more opportunities," Williamson said.
Williamson said he's only spoken to Musselman on the phone and has not yet met him in person. Such a meeting probably won't happen until the Kings report to training camp Oct. 3.
Other than dealing with a new coach, there will be another issue for Williamson to contend with in terms of playing time. Sacramento traded for Ron Artest -- who is notorious for being involved in arguably the worst brawls in NBA history as he and members of the Indiana Pacers got tangled with the Detroit Pistons -- late last season, and he will see the bulk of the playing time at the small forward position, where Williamson generally plays.
Known for his strong defensive play, Artest provided a spark in the small amount of time he was with Sacramento. Having seen the All-NBA defensive team member up close has changed Williamson's view of Artest.
"At first, I didn't like him at all," Williamson said with a grin. "I'm sure he didn't like me either. We had respect for each other, though. But, he works hard at practice and always plays with heart. I couldn't ask for a better teammate."
With players like Artest and Mike Bibby taking on the bulk of the major roles, Williamson knows being a team player goes beyond just on the court. That's a fact Williamson has accepted, as the NBA has shifted more towards young players.
"I've been in every position you can be in basketball," Williamson said. "I'm willing to take a back seat and do what I can to help guide the young guys along."
A lot of work has been required for Williamson to have had the success he's enjoyed. The foundation for that was laid right here in his hometown.
"It's helped a lot," Williamson said of the instruction he received in Russellville. "Now I look at players and I see that they're not fundamentally sound. A lot of the basics in basketball I learned here. ... A player might be able to jump high and shoot well but they can't dribble a basketball. Fundamentals are very important."
That's the message Williamson wants to send to the young players out there. Regardless of what stage he is in his career, Williamson isn't ready to give up basketball.
"Basketball's been a big part of my life since second grade," Williamson said. "I don't see myself completely getting away from it anytime soon."
Williamson still has one last ambition before he hangs it up for good.
"I'd love to play somewhere close to home," Williamson said. "It's difficult for players to just stick with one team, and I'd really enjoy the chance of getting to play closer to home."
http://www.couriernews.com/story.php?ID=12376
Assistant Sports Editor
During his basketball career, Russellville native Corliss Williamson has had his share of awards.
Topping that list no doubt is an NCAA national championship with the Arkansas Razorbacks in 1994 and an NBA title with the Detroit Pistons 10 years later.
"The Big Nasty" also has an NBA Sixth Man Award (2002) to his name. However, things have slowed some for Williamson as he gets closer to the end of his playing career.
The former Cyclone standout will be entering his 12th NBA season when he suits up with the Sacramento Kings -- the team that drafted him 13th overall in 1995 -- this fall. While he doesn't want to call it quits yet, the end is in sight.
"I'm getting to the point where I'd like to spend more time with my family," Williamson said Friday while in town for ValleyFest. "I feel like I have a few more years left in me, but there are other things in life I want to do."
Williamson and former Hog teammate Elmer Martin were among the judges for the slam dunk contest Friday at ValleyFest. Seeing young and aspiring basketball players is where Williamson's heart lies.
"I love helping young players try to get better," Williamson said. "I'm sure I'll be doing something like that when I do decide to quit playing. ... It's really special being able to help young guys work on their game."
Williamson still has one year left on his contract with the Kings and has been looked to as a veteran leader for his younger teammates in recent years. His role on the court decreased this past season, averaging just under 10 minutes per game. Having his minutes cut wasn't exactly what Williamson wanted, but then again, that's business.
"Yeah, it bothered me, but I know how the NBA works," Williamson said. "A player is either going to play a whole lot or is going to see little playing time. I'm still able to contribute on the team by helping the younger guys out."
Still, Williamson is anxious to get on the court more. With Sacramento hiring new head coach Eric Musselman -- who was formerly with the Golden State Warriors -- in early June, Williamson hopes there will be changes made in that regard.
"I still have a lot of basketball left in me, and hopefully this new coach (Musselman) will give me more opportunities," Williamson said.
Williamson said he's only spoken to Musselman on the phone and has not yet met him in person. Such a meeting probably won't happen until the Kings report to training camp Oct. 3.
Other than dealing with a new coach, there will be another issue for Williamson to contend with in terms of playing time. Sacramento traded for Ron Artest -- who is notorious for being involved in arguably the worst brawls in NBA history as he and members of the Indiana Pacers got tangled with the Detroit Pistons -- late last season, and he will see the bulk of the playing time at the small forward position, where Williamson generally plays.
Known for his strong defensive play, Artest provided a spark in the small amount of time he was with Sacramento. Having seen the All-NBA defensive team member up close has changed Williamson's view of Artest.
"At first, I didn't like him at all," Williamson said with a grin. "I'm sure he didn't like me either. We had respect for each other, though. But, he works hard at practice and always plays with heart. I couldn't ask for a better teammate."
With players like Artest and Mike Bibby taking on the bulk of the major roles, Williamson knows being a team player goes beyond just on the court. That's a fact Williamson has accepted, as the NBA has shifted more towards young players.
"I've been in every position you can be in basketball," Williamson said. "I'm willing to take a back seat and do what I can to help guide the young guys along."
A lot of work has been required for Williamson to have had the success he's enjoyed. The foundation for that was laid right here in his hometown.
"It's helped a lot," Williamson said of the instruction he received in Russellville. "Now I look at players and I see that they're not fundamentally sound. A lot of the basics in basketball I learned here. ... A player might be able to jump high and shoot well but they can't dribble a basketball. Fundamentals are very important."
That's the message Williamson wants to send to the young players out there. Regardless of what stage he is in his career, Williamson isn't ready to give up basketball.
"Basketball's been a big part of my life since second grade," Williamson said. "I don't see myself completely getting away from it anytime soon."
Williamson still has one last ambition before he hangs it up for good.
"I'd love to play somewhere close to home," Williamson said. "It's difficult for players to just stick with one team, and I'd really enjoy the chance of getting to play closer to home."
http://www.couriernews.com/story.php?ID=12376
