Former Memphis star Williams talks comeback attempt, Tigers
Memphis basketball got a blast from the recent past Saturday.
In the hours leading up to the win against Clemson, former star Deandre Williams met with players, coaches, Fedexforum staffers, fans and media members. The native of Houston, who spent the past three seasons becoming a fan favorite at Memphis could hardly contain his anticipation of tip-off.
“We ain’t trying to cause too much havoc,” Williams said with a laugh. “I’m gonna turn up. If my team turnt, I’m turnt! I’m with ‘em.”
Williams spent most of the offseason in limbo as he pursued a waiver from the NCAA in hopes of regaining one more season of eligibility. The crux of his request revolved around the fact that he lost a season of eligibility at Evansville due to delayed enrollment. With the help of sports attorney Don Jackson, Williams argued his enrollment status was affected due to bad advice from authority figures in his life at the time.
The NCAA disagreed and denied the waiver request in early November. Williams said he was disappointed by the outcome but added he would do it all over again.
“I did it for the city,” he said. “When the situation presented itself, I was excited, so that’s why I went with it. Anybody in my shoes would’ve went with the same situation. People can say whatever they want to. I did it for the city and this program. I love it to death.”
As for Williams’ immediate future, he is still weighing his options. He said there are multiple opportunities with professional teams overseas, and he expects to make a decision soon.
In the meantime, Williams will put most of his energy into the Tigers (8-2).
“Oh, man, this team is real unique,” he said. “Just off the fact they just got so many pieces. It’s different from every other Memphis team, because they all can just pitch in and just be a team. I feel like they’re gonna have a great season, just off them having great chemistry.
“I like this team a lot. I want to see them prosper the whole season. They’re a great team.”
Following Saturday’s 79-77 win over Clemson, several Tigers huddled up with Williams.
“They’re just paying homage to a guy that came here and gave it his all,” said coach Penny Hardaway, “every single minute that he stepped on the floor in a Tiger uniform.”
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or follow him @munzly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.