Rob Williams obit

Former UH basketball standout Rob Williams dies at 52

 

He was not on the list.

Rob Williams, a two-time All-American who helped lead the University of Houston to the Final Four in 1982, died Monday. He was 52.

Williams, who also starred at Milby High School, died at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center from congestive heart failure, said his brother, Ed.

"There's a lot of hurt," Ed Williams said. "There's a lot of pain, but there's consolation in knowing Rob is in a real peaceful place. There is no suffering now. I know he's with God right now."

Williams, a 6-2 point guard, spent three seasons with the Cougars from 1979-82. He was a two-time All-Southwest Conference first-team selection and the league's Player of the Year in 1981, when he averaged 25 points per game. He is the fifth-leading scorer in UH history with 1,838 points.

As a junior, Williams was a second-team All-America selection, averaging 21.1 points as the Cougars made the first of what would be three consecutive Final Four appearances under coach Guy V. Lewis.

He also became the first UH player recognized as the Most Outstanding Player of an NCAA Tournament regional.

"We are deeply saddened on the passing of Rob Williams and offer our condolences to his family and friends," UH coach James Dickey said in a statement. "Rob was an outstanding player at Houston and helped pave the way for our great Phi Slama Jama teams. He will be greatly missed."

Williams left school after his junior season and was selected with the No. 19 overall pick by Denver. He played two seasons with the Nuggets and later in the Continental Basketball Association, United States Basketball League and overseas.

In 1998, Williams suffered a stroke that left him blind in his left eye and partially paralyzed on his left side.

His collegiate teammates included Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Michael Young, Benny Anders and Larry Micheaux among others.

Career information

High school     Milby (Houston, Texas)

College            Houston (1979–1982)

NBA draft        1982: 1st round, 19th overall pick

Drafted by       Denver Nuggets

Position           Point guard

Number           21

Career history

1982–1984      Denver Nuggets

1984–1985      Louisville Catbirds

1984–1985      Lancaster Lightning

1985    Long Island Knights

1986    Tanduay Rhum Makers

Career highlights

PBA champion (1986 Reinforced)

PBA Best Import (1986 Reinforced)

Third-team All-American – AP (1981)

SWC Player of the Year (1981)

3× First-team All-SWC (1980–1982)

Third-team Parade All-American (1979)