The year was 1973............
James "Fly" Williams (Born February 18, 1953) is a retired American professional basketball player.
Born in Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York City, he attended Madison High School, where initially was interested in playing baseball. He was a pitcher, but was advised that he had become too tall to remain competitive that sport. His initial introduction to basketball did not go well, but he eventually made the adjustment to the new game. His ability to play basketball came from his frequent participation in street basketball games. He played with some of New York’s finest street players such as World B. Free and Earl "the Goat" Manigault. When the games eventually ended, he would go out in search of more opportunities to play basketball. Williams dominated the sport of basketball at Madison High School in the early 1970s. By his freshman year, he was 6’ 5”, with outstanding moves, a fantastic shot, a terrific knowledge of the back board action, and could play the crowds.
After Williams completed high school, he was recruited by an assistant basketball coach, Leonard Hamilton, to attend Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee.
Williams arrived on campus in 1972. He was greeted by a reception which included a sky-writing demonstration which spelled out his name. His freshman year, playing as a guard, his scoring record was especially noteworthy. Williams averaged 29.4 points per game in 1973, fifth best in the nation. The Austin Peay State University basketball team, the Governors, won a bid to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament. Williams was true to form; scoring 26 points in a first-round win over Jacksonville University. In the second round of the tournament, Williams managed another 26 points, but the Austin Peay Governors lost to University of Kentucky, coached by Joe B. Hall, in overtime.
But the real story ........was the historic chant......the chant that would make opposing teams shudder.
Whenever the Governors needed a boost.......the entire crowd would stand in unison and pound the floors with an ear shattering roar......
"Fly is open..........Let's go Peay!"
Over 30 years later.........it is still the most popular chant .........ever!!!
Fly Williams wasted his life. He could have been an NBA hall of famer if he had only applied himself and stayed off the streets....what a shame and a waste.
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