A Legend Returns

You are about to see the healing of some old wounds and a story that involves a genuine living legend who has come full circle. I must admit that a tear came to my eye when I first viewed the video footage from the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle newspaper.

With respects to basketball greats you have probably heard names such as Michael Jordan, Julius Erving, Kobe Bryant or "Pistol" Pete Marovich but have you ever heard of James "Fly" Williams? Basketball enthusiasts will certainly recognize the name and place his name right alongside the aforementioned as being one of the best to ever play the game. His tale is one, though, which turned tragic.

Fly came off the streets of Brooklyn, NY. Several big colleges were trying to recruit him but, somehow, he signed to play for a tiny school in Clarksville, TN - Austin Peay State University. He played for two seasons there (1972-73; 1973-74) and became a National sensation his Freshman year not only for his extraordinary abilitys on the court but also because of his flambouyant, colorful personality and antics. Fly was indeed a free-spirit and scarcely had college basketball seen anything quite like him. The National media descended on Austin Peay to cover him. Students at Austin Peay got in line for tickets at 10:00 AM for a 7:00 PM contest. He sold out every arena and gym in which he played. He was a show all to himself and to kids in Clarksville, myself included, he was a living hero as he brought Austin Peay basketball to National prominence.

After his Sophomore season the NCAA declared Fly ineligible due to an error in filing his SAT and ACT test scores from the front office of the Ohio Valley Conference. Rather than wait another year for reinstatement he decided to turn pro. He was much too free-spirited for any NBA team to choose him so he played for the old, now defunct, ABA and the St. Louis Spirit. He was an offensive juggernaut - just ask legendary baller Moses Malone. Fly torched Malone for 60 points in one game. Unfortunately, Fly was using drugs and became more heavily involved with such drugs as cocaine. He eventually wound up back on the streets of New York City - strung out and alone. He spent time in prison. Later he was shot in a drug deal gone bad and it nearly killed him. He lost one of his lungs. Fly has now turned his life around and for years has been working with the inner city youth of Brooklyn, NY teaching them not to make the same decisions and mistakes he made. The youth are now his life and he has positively influenced thousands of New York's youth. The basketball fanbase of Austin Peay has always embraced Fly. The University, however, would scarcely recognize him. They said his jersey was never retired because he never graduated but it is also because of the tumultuous life he led after leaving Austin Peay despite the fact that Fly had turned his life around many years ago. It was always a point of contention between the fans and the University. On Feb.5, 2009,. 35 years after Fly left Austin Peay, the University finally retired his jersey and honored the legend who put the school on the map. Fly made some horrible choices in life but he learned from his mistakes and corrected those mistakes. Austin Peay has now corrected theirs by finally honoring him and retiring the #35 jersey. The reitrement coincided with the release of new book about Fly's life called *Fly35* by Dave Link. The atmosphere at Dave Aaron Arena was electric and Fly showed that he can still pack them in. The community always loved Fly and never forgot him. Just look at the line formed to get his autograph as evidence of that. Even ESPN analyst/commentator Bob Costas made a special appearance on the Jumbotron to congratulate the one and only "Fly." I was fortunate enough as a kid to see one of the geatest basketball players of all time - James Fly Williams. There will never be another quite like him (I refrain from telling some of his on the court antics but they are legendary!). Fly, the living legend, has now come full circle and many thanks to AP President, Dr. Hall, for allowing Fly this great honor. I think some wounds were healed as "Peaymania" once again came to life. You will never hear a chant as great as "The Fly is open. Let's go Peay!" It was a magical night and I wish I could have been there except work obligations kept me away. However, Fly will be back in the house on Saturday night as the Governors host the hated rival, Murray State Racers. I hope to see him then. I would also like to see Fly sporting a "Muck Furry" shirt.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• legend
• Austin Peay
• basketball
• Fly Williams
• Clarksville
• Tennessee

[jwoodswce]

This is a really moving story of rehabilitation and redemption.

Especially other than his substance problems, there are many elements of this story that remind me of Andrew Bernstein's novel _Heart of a Pagan_, which you would probably enjoy.

[TheSunkenGrave]

Fly is now 55 years old and very laid back and humble. It is far, FAR different from the young man who was a star. Back then he was brash, arrogant, pompous and egotistical if the just released book is accurate. I guess being shot four times and spending time in prison can have that affect. He spent the weekend with old friends and his old school. While at the Nashville airport awaiting his plane back to New York he became quite ill and spent the next several days in the hospital. He's ok.

[sargegolf]

This is so over due!!! This man was one of the greatest players to ever play basketball. Thans Fly for all the memories and thanks to Dave Link for writing this book. I just wish there were more data and film to relive his untouchable talent! Lets Go Peay!

[TheSunkenGrave]

Yes, it is sad there is scarcely any film footage out there of Fly. I just wonder how many people have looked in the vaults of the opposing teams or the Nashville television stations? Do teams like WKU and MTSU still have the film to those games?

[jjphysstud]

I was in the student section that night it was awesome

[jdclarksville]

LONG overdue! Kudos to the APSU president for getting this done. God bless Fly and the late Coach Kelly...those two meant more to Ausitn Peay basketball than anyone else.

[sthugh]

I saw him play in St. Louis a few times. The drugs had already taken their toll, but he could do his magic now and then. At his best, I don't know that there was anyone better save Pistol Pete.

[pauldeo]

Fly was my idol, I saw him hit 100 points at IS8 All-Star game in Queens NY, I was stunned and couldn't believe all the moves, attitude, shots, etc etc I saw that night! Fly was like Jimi Hendrix w a basketball and did things people still today have not attempted! He was truly magical on that court!!!

[TruePointGuard3]

@tngerman man you need to beat it with that negative stuff

[tngerman]

Only in America would people cheer a drug abuser, and someone who was in prison for years !

[chrisdj614]

RIP Coach Kelly

[TheSunkenGrave]

Not in the least. Whatever gave you the impression anyone thought something was wrong with it?

[apsufan82]

and is there something wrong with the chant?