Corliss Williamson

High school

Russellville High School

College

University of Arkansas

Pro team(s)

Sacramento Kings, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors

Corliss "The Big Nasty" Williamson was born on December 4, 1973, in Russellville, Arkansas, and was one of the most physically dominant and thrilling players in college basketball during his two seasons with the Arkansas Razorbacks under coach Nolan Richardson. He was the centerpiece of the Razorbacks' 1994 NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship team — the only national title in Arkansas basketball history — playing the kind of furious, attacking basketball that Richardson's "40 Minutes of Hell" full-court press demanded. Williamson was named the 1994 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player and remained for his sophomore season before being selected 13th overall in the 1995 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings. He played ten seasons in the NBA, known throughout his career for the explosive athleticism and physical intensity that earned him his famous nickname.