Williams Waits Patiently for His Chance to Play for the Rams

Senior Francisco Williams is making the most out of his new opportunity at Bluefield College after overcoming many obstacles that were out of his control.

Williams, a native of Queens, NY, came to Bluefield College after having spent the first three years of college at Armstrong State University in Savannah, GA. After his junior year at Armstrong State, the school merged with Georgia Southern University and became a satellite campus for Georgia Southern. As a result, the Athletic Department at Armstrong State closed and Williams had to find a place to finish his college career and get his degree.

“It was tough, after being a part of a program for three years, growing close to teammates and coaches,” Williams said. “Being a year away from getting my degree and then not having a place to play ball. It was tough. I wanted to play (basketball) my senior year, but I also knew I had to find the right place to get my degree, too.”

Late last summer, Williams found the right place to finish his senior year athletically and academically in Bluefield College.

“After talking to Coach (Ryan) Moody, I felt like Bluefield was the best fit for me,” Williams said.

Although Williams found a place to finish up his schooling, the challenges didn’t stop. He missed the first half of the 2018-2019 season as he was waiting for the NAIA to rule him eligible to play. The NAIA told him they hadn’t received his transcripts, and his former school said they did indeed send them. Having no control over the situation, Williams was forced to watch his new BC teammates from the sideline.

“It was crazy,” he said. “I had to stay on the sidelines for something I had no control over. All I could do was try to be the best teammate I could be and hope that I would get cleared before the season was over.”

That day would come for Williams on January 12. After 18 games into the season, Williams was able to step on the court for the first time. In his first action of the season, he would tally 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 14 minutes of action helping the Rams get a 30-point win over Point University. In fact, since being cleared to play, Williams has been an important part of the Rams rotation averaging 20 minutes, 8 points and 5 rebounds per game.

“I’m just glad to be back on the court playing,” he said. “I’ve grown a lot from all the things I’ve had to overcome. I’m just glad they’re behind me now.”