By Amanda Allen ’17

Former professional basketball player Walt Williams was a 6’8″ guard at the University of Maryland during his college career from 1988-1992, when he was viewed as a savior. During his time, the University of Maryland program was on probation and lost television broadcasts. Surprisingly to most, Williams stuck with the program through hard times and was the 7th overall pick for the Sacramento Kings in the 1992 NBA draft, which was just six picks behind Shaquille O’Neal. He went on to play professionally with the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Portland Trailblazers, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks. Williams is now a sideline broadcaster for the Terrapin Sports Radio Network and financial advisor for UBS financial.

Williams has three sons, two of which play basketball at Sherwood. He has heavily influenced senior guard Tyrese Williams and sophomore forward Kamari Williams from an early age. “A basketball was the first toy I ever received as a toddler. I’ve been playing as long as I can remember,” Tyrese recalled.

Both play for AAU travel basketball teams; Tyrese for the Maryland Hurricanes and Kamari for Sixth Man Warriors and Maryland ATTAC. “My AAU basketball teams play in a lot of tournaments where college coaches watch us play. It is very competitive but also extremely fun,” Kamari said. Looking towards the future, “I want to play at a professional level,” he said.

Williams has been highly involved in his sons’ basketball careers thus far. His determination and accomplishments have inspired his sons to continue those traits. In his own career, he proved to be resilient after not making the varsity high school team his freshman year and by sticking with the Terrapins. The Williams brothers have taken note. “My dad’s influence on me has been skill and his work ethic. Watching him made me want to get better. He has taught me that hard work and practice pays off,” said Tyrese.

The brothers’ father has been an assistant coach for the varsity boys’ basketball team for the past two seasons. They finished the season 12-12 and were division champs. Both plan to contribute to the team this upcoming season.