ouTTakes podcast: Walt Williams

Welcome back to ouTTakes, a podcast that’s here to discuss Maryland sports from an inside perspective. We’ll be doing the show more regularly this year to shine a different light on Terps sport figures and allow you to get to know them as people.

This time, I sat down with Maryland basketball legend Walt Williams, also known as “The Wizard.” Williams helped bring the program back to prominence after it was hit by NCAA sanctions in 1990, giving local players a reason to become Terps.

Williams set numerous Maryland records, many of which still stand today, but is probably most well known for his stretch of seven consecutive games with at least 30 points scored in 1992. He was drafted by the Sacramento Kings as the seventh overall pick in 1992 and went on to have an 11-year NBA career. In November, he’ll be inducted into the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame — just another of the numerous accolades he’s received over his career.

Some highlights from the show:

• How did Williams get “The Wizard” nickname?
• Williams explains why he chose to stay with Maryland basketball amid the NCAA sanctions, as well as when he could have easily entered the NBA Draft.
• What was Gary Williams like in his first few years as head coach?
• Williams recalls a special moment with the legendary head coach in a game against Clemson.
• When did “The Wizard” realize he had a shot at the NBA, and what was it like to get picked seventh overall?
• What was it like playing against Michael Jordan in his prime? Williams also gives his take on the Jordan vs LeBron debate.
• Williams gives his take on the Terplanta Hawks, and dishes on the OG Terp-filled NBA team.
• How far does Williams think Maryland basketball can go this season?
• We end with some rapid fire questions.