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Where Are They Now: Cornelius Williams

Published

11 years ago

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Most of our “Where are they now?” pieces usually tell a story about an ex-NC State basketball player trying to make it in the NBA, or pursuing a career in the sport overseas. The story of Cornelius Williams is a bit different.

Williams was never a super-star. He was never looking to make basketball a career. Instead he used basketball to get an education that would propel him to a much more important place.

Cornelius Williams joined NC State in 1997 under then coach Herb Sendek. Hailing from Fort McClellan, Alabama, the 6’11 center was part of Sendek’s second recruiting class. He was not a sought after prospect and was more of a project player. In four years Williams never averaged more than 2 points per game and averaged 8.3 minutes per game in his career. But that isn’t what makes this story interesting.

While Williams never found extreme success on the basketball court, he was busy finding that success in the classroom. We caught up with Cornelius to find out how that worked out what he’s up to now…

“Basically right now I’m a chemist. I work for Johnson and Johnson and I’ve been doing that for the last six years and have been working in the pharmesutical industry for the last 12 years now and it’s something I really enjoy.” said Williams. “After college I pretty much gave up basketball. It was fun while it lasted but I had a lot of other things I wanted to do. I dabbled for a little bit and that was good enough.”

Williams doesn’t come around NC State much these days. He’s a busy man, so attending games can be tough but he always has, and always will make time for his teammates.

“My time at NC State was great. It was a great experience. I learned a lot and made some close friends. As far as basketball goes, sometimes it’s just time to move on, but I still love NC State and especially my teammates.”

It certainly shows as Williams, who hasn’t been seen at many Wolfpack functions over the past 10 years, has been in attendance at the Brian Keeter Hope to Walk golf outing on both occasions..

“Like I said my Wolfpack teammates were and are important to me. I think it’s great that they put on this event for Brian’s foundation. Putting things like this on for him are needed. I’ve been around him a lot since his accident and these type of things, they boost his confidence and moral.” said Williams.

In today’s world, sport has become a business, where kids strive to use basketball to make a career for themselves or to find stardom. While there’s nothing wrong with that, every once in a while you find a player like Cornelius Williams. He used basketball as a learning experience, an outlet from school and for the bonds created between him and his teammates.

“Playing college basketball was a great experience, but I’ve got a family, my friends and a career and I’m very happy where I’m at, doing what I’m doing.”

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Pack in the Pros

NC State LB Payton Wilson Visited with the Steelers Yesterday

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2 days ago

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April 17, 2024

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Former NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson had a Top-30 visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday. Wilson is the first Linebacker the Steelers have brought in.

Wilson has already had Top-30 visits with the Dallas Cowboys and the Carolina Panthers.

PFF ranks Wilson as the #1 Linebacker in the 2024 Draft, and #26 on their Big Board.

1. LB PAYTON WILSON, NC STATE

PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 26

Wilson has the length, movement ability, IQ and tape of a first-round linebacker. What will likely keep him from being drafted on Day 1 is his injury history and age. If healthy, he can be a starting inside linebacker in any defense. (PFF)

Will someone take Wilson in the 1st round? Will he be a 2nd round pick? If he slips past that, that’s just stupid.

 

 

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NC State’s DJ Horne Declares for the NBA Draft

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2 days ago

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April 16, 2024

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NC State Guard DJ Horne has officially declared for the 2024 NBA Draft.

 

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A post shared by DJ Horne (@djhorne)

Horne is trying to become the first Wolfpack player to be drafted since Dennis Smith Jr. was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the 6th pick in the 1st Round.

While Horne might not currently be projected to be drafted, he is trying to change that tune at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament which begins tomorrow.

Horne is a special player, and genuinely possesses the skill set to compete at the next level. Whether he is drafted, or signs a 2-way contract, what he put on tape this year warrants a chance.





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Former NC State Defensive End Savion Jackson is Receiving Interest from NFL Teams

Published

6 days ago

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April 13, 2024

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Former NC State Defensive End Savion Jackson is receiving interest from NFL teams. Thus far, those teams are the Rams, Chargers, 49ers, and Broncos.

Last season as a Senior, Jackson had 40 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 12 games for the Wolfpack. His Run Defense grade on PFF was 80.6, ranking 4th on the team.

According to current projections, Jackson projects to be taken on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft, or picked up as an Undrafted Free Agent.

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Former All-NC State Forward Richard Howell Named Varsity Men’s Basketball Coach at Green Hope

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1 week ago

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April 11, 2024

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Former All-ACC NC State Forward Richard Howell has been named the new Varsity Men’s Basketball Coach at Green Hope High School right down the road in Cary, North Carolina.

“I am thrilled to join the Green Hope family and lead the varsity men’s basketball team,” Coach Howell expressed. “My journey in basketball has been incredibly rewarding, and I am excited to share my knowledge and passion for the game with the talented athletes at Green Hope.”

Principal Alison Cleveland commented on the hire, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Coach Howell to Green Hope High School. His impressive background and dedication to the game will undoubtedly inspire our student-athletes to reach new heights both on and off the court.” (Green Hope)

Howell earned 1st Team All-ACC honors as a member of the Wolfpack back in 2013, when he averaged 12.7 points and 10.9 boards per game. His 1,055 career rebounds rank 5th in NC State history, and his 392 offensive boards rank 1st.

On December 15th, 2012, Howell snagged 19 rebounds, which is tied for the 2nd most in a single game in program history. Howell played 132 career games for the Wolfpack, which ranks 5th in NC State history.

After graduating from NC State, Howell had a couple of stints in the D-League (now called the G-League), but ultimately had a long career overseas, playing in Italy, France, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, and Israel from 2013-2023.

Congratulations Richard! Raise up some talent and send them down the road to NC State!

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