William lived in the north side Chicago area near where the other star of Hoop Dreams Arthur Agee. He was also recruited by St. Joseph’s, so him and Arthur went to school together. But unlike Arthur, William tuition was paid for by the school no matter what. As a freshman he played varsity basketball and was one of the top players in the Nation. When he was a Sophomore he ripped his cartilage in his knee that required surgery and him to sit out most of the season. When he came back it was play-offs, in the game he reinjured his knee but kept playing. He had to get surgery again on his knee to remove the cartilage he reinjured. Also in his Sophomore year he got a girl pregnant and had a baby girl. His Junior and Senior he was the star of the team and was recruited/went to Marquette University.