One of the best players in USC history, Gus Williams, has been hospitalized since February after suffering a stroke, according to Peter Vecsey of the New York Post.
Williams, 66, lives in South Carolina. USC retired his jersey number in 2016.
You can make a case that Williams (1972-75) was the most successful player in USC history.
An All-American in 1975 (which by itself puts him above many better-known players), Williams then enjoyed a stellar pro career, scoring 14,093 points and averaging 17.1 points per game (by comparison Paul Westphal scored 12,809 points and averaged 15.6).
Williams led the Seattle SuperSonics to the 1979 NBA title and averaged 28.6 points in the NBA Finals. He was a first-team All-NBA pick in 1982. His No. 1 jersey is retired by the Sonics.
InsideUSC with Scott Wolf 
Prayers out to a great Trojan. He was one of the most underrated guys to have played in the NBA.
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Gus and Bill Sharman were the most successful SC players… both will be missed .https://news.usc.edu/tributes/bill-sharman/
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God take care of my home town brother who lost his younger brother ray a nba star grew up with both this men in mt Vernon in thier hey day god bless gus r.i.p. ray ray!
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I had the privilege of playing against Gus in the All College Tournament in Oklahoma City. I couldn’t believe how Gus honored me after the game. I knew than that his professional attitude was going to take him places. Gus, I became a Prison Minister and work for God. I’ve talked to Him on your behalf. I too suffered a few strokes and a brain bleed. I’m ok. Forgetful at times but God is good!
I pray for a full recovery for you, Gus. You’re a gem.
Blessings, Steven A.
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Praise God! Be healed in Jesus name! Psalm 107:20
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Gus Williams-“The Wizard”: one of the greatest guards in USC basketball history.
He and Biff Burrell were a great guard combination, and you add John Lambert that was another USC team that underachieved despite having talent. Folks you can’t say we did not recruit some talent over the years.
Prayers are out for you and your family. Please recover quickly.
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Gus has not passed away!
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Hi Pierre,
I’m name is Debra I’m a friend of Mr Gus Williams. I live in Ga. I lost contact with him years ago. Mr Williams used to attend my cousin “Walter Payton Charity Golf Tournament” to benefit Sickle Cell Anemia in Montgomery, Alabama.
I was told Gus had a stroke. When I heard of the news I was very sad. Gus
is a awesome/great man. Speedy recovery and healing “In the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ”.
I would definitely like to know if you have an update information on Gus, whether he’s still in the hospital or back at home in SC would like to visit him.
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Pierre,
My name is Debra I’m a friend of Mr Gus Williams. I live in Ga. I lost contact with him years ago. Mr Williams used to attend my cousin “Walter Payton Charity Golf Tournament” to benefit Sickle Cell Anemia in Montgomery, Alabama.
I was told Gus had a stroke. When I heard of the news I was very sad. Gus
is a awesome/great man. Speedy recovery and healing “In the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ”.
I would definitely like to know if you have an update information on Gus, whether he’s still in the hospital or back at home in SC would like to visit him.
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Gus Williams-“The Wizard”: one of the greatest guards in USC basketball history.
He and Biff Burrell were a great guard combination, and you add John Lambert that was another USC team that underachieved despite having talent. Folks you can’t say we did not recruit some talent over the years.
Prayers are out for you and your family. Please recover quickly.
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wow, hospitalized since Feb…doesn’t sound good; I can empathize with him,had mine 4 yrs ago,in 4 different areas,but mostly recovered…I remember watching him play mostly on tv; today’s medicine and prayers I hope for him, and a good recovery.
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To me, the greatest player I ever saw. Nobody can convince me otherwise. He was so fast and exciting to watch. Best wishes Gus. Seattle Loves you.
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Gus was not just exciting but clutch.His great duels with Isiah Thomas,too few,,Norm Nixon Calvin Murphy,Pete Maravich(Lenny had him cover Pete).Just a class act.Averaged like 29 points in finals.One of the best one on one players who received so many outlet passes from Jack and Lonnie and made it look so easy.Thanks for the memories and a speedy recovery
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I remember watching Gus Williams in the 1975 Western Conference Finals against the Lakers. Not only was he a great offensive player, but a good defensive player as well; To me he’s totally under-rated. I am a resident of South Carolina also.
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I just saw this article and am saddened by this news. Hopefully Gus is doing much better. Is there any update on his progress? I am in the Seattle area and loved the Sonic’s years!! I’ve been going through pictures I took in the late 70s through mid 80s and have a pile of pictures that I am planning on mailing to Gus. Does anyone know where I can mail them. I’ve met him and he’s seen some of the pictures too.
Please contact me at llusink24@msn.com. Thank you
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Prayers going up Gus. A fierce warrior and championship player. One always taking time to say hello and converse in his brieft time as San Francisco Warriors.
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I met and knew Gus, John Lambert and Bob Trowbridge as we were all finding our way in 1971 at USC Marks Hall dormitory. Gus was from New York and I was from Hawaiii. Gus was very shy, humble, but gifted. As we found our way at USC — I became a decent basketball player and was invited to participate in the private pick-up games held at the Sports Arena, which included players such as Gus Williams (still at USC – Freshman weren’t allowed to participate and he graduated in 1975) and Paul Westphal (now a pro). Gus was able to see where every player was on the court — both in front, side and in back of him. I was on his team and open under the basket and received two unexpected passes from Gus — dropping both because they arrived before I anticipated (his rhythm was ahead of most anyone else on the court). Those were the only two passes/balls I got from him. But — I can also say that I played on the same court with two basketball Hall of Famers (Paul Westphal-2019) and Gus Williams (who should have been inducted into the Naismith HOF by now). I sure hope that Gus is doing better. Chris – USC 1975
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I met Gus and we became friends while I lived in Myrtle Beach, SC. Gus lived in North Myrtle Beach and helped me with contacts in Seattle who were interested in our company. I’m a doctor and we make products for patients ands sell our special water Liquid Prana and were working on some good business in the Seattle area and I hadn’t been able to reach Gus by phone for about two weeks. We finally found that he’d stroked out at home and ended up in a hospital with Pneumonia. Haven’t been able to contact his since about that time (February 2020). I would love to know where he is and would be very grateful if someone might know and contact me. Dr. H. Thomas Cotter (drtcotter@msn.com). Many thanks.
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Does anyone know the status of Gus? I lost contact with him after he had a stroke. His phone number was changed and I haven’t heard anything. Hoping for good news.
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I too, can’t reach him. But, he is in my prayers everyday. We played ball together for a long time after he retired from the NBA. We took four championships in a row in the Harlem pro league and he still had it back then. I miss you. And I’m hoping for recovery soon. I haven’t heard anything since 2019, so I’m not sure how are you doing, Gus! 🏀get well.
Doc H
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remembering those battle’s, back to back against the bullets. get well man, please.
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It hard to take that my boyhood teammate from Mount Vernon NY Gus Williams is recovering from a stroke. And this is in the face of his constant snubbing by the Naismith HOF Committee that pass over him every year. 28.6 points per game in a finals playoff series and multiple All-star games and a career scoring average of over 17.0 per game should mean something after leading your team (the Seattle SuperSonics) to an NBA Championship. Get well Wizard we love and appreciate you.
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It’s hard to take my boyhood teammate from Mount Vernon NY Gus Williams is recovering from a stroke. And this is in the face of his constant snubbing by the Naismith HOF Committee who pass over him every year. 28.6 points per game in a finals playoff series, multiple All-star games, and a career scoring average of over 17.0 per game. Man- all that should mean something, especially when you consider Gus leading the Seattle SuperSonics to their only NBA Championship in the team’s history! Get well Wizard — the “REAL ONES” love and appreciate you.
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My favorite sonic
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Any Update on Gus?..one of my favorite Ballers and should be in Springfield..Praying for you🙏
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Gus was a good friend while in Seattle and we kept in touch until his stroke. Does anyone know any news or updates?
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i am from mount vernon, ny…played with Gus 1970-71 when Gus was a senior at mount vernon high school. i was about 23 at the time, Gus 18, i had never before played with anyone like Gus, Earl Tatum was also there…they both made it look so easy how graceful, seemingly effortless high flying gliding…and best of all how humble, good natured, destined for greatness!..what a great performance, i was in awe as i ran up and down the court like a spectator watching the above the rim flying like above the floor ballet…i hope and pray that Gus has recovered from the stroke, i been there, still getting hit with occasional tia’s, mini stokes…please, if anyone knows if Gus is all right, let me know, ok?..thank you! Gratefully michaelgoldbergtcbusiness@yahoo.com…or 805.618.4221
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…this is michael goldberg continuing : i did not play WiTH GUS, Against, Forgetaboutit!…no way to defend, stay with Gus and Earl, i was just running up and down the full court game like a spectator in awe!..actually Gus went easy on me, did not aggressively defend me like he certainly could have, it is the only time i ever played, or in a game like i was not playing, just out there running up and down like a spectator on the floor!..i Hope and Pray that Gus is OK…hopefully be able to Thank Gus, and Earl personally for their Graceful Humble old time Gentlemenly old school way of treating me in their quiet, powerful style of play that speaks volumes!!!…be real good to hear from anyone who knows how Gus is recovering, i been there, know what it is like! Thank You! Gratefully michaelgoldbergtcbusiness@yahoo.com…805.618.4221
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