1997-98:
1996-97: Played in 29 games, starting in 12. Led the team in assists with 109, averaging 3.7 per game. Scored a career-high 12 points against Missouri-Rolla. Dished out a career-high eight assists against West Virginia in the Paradise Classic. Led the team in steals with a season total of 60. Pulled down a career-high six rebounds against Colorado. Played eight games without a turnover and six games with only one turnover. Recorded the best turnover-assist ratio on the team (109 assists, 56 turnovers). Recorded a career-high and team-high six steals against Missouri-Rolla. Finished the season ranked fourth in the conference in assists. Finished the season ranked seventh in the conference in steals.
Junior College: Averaged seven points per game, three steals per game and 8.3 assists per game as a sophomore at Westark Community College in Fort Smith, Ark. Shot 38.6 percent from the field and 35 percent from the three point line. Named first-team All-Bi-State East Conference her sophomore year. Was the team assist leader. Holds the record for most assists in one game with 15. Helped to lead her team to a 28-3 record as a sophomore and a 35-0 record and the national championship her freshman year.
High School: Lettered in basketball for Pine Bluff High School. Recorded the most assists on the team for three consecutive seasons. Earned all-conference honors her junior and senior years. Named the MVP of the prestigious Joe T. Robinson Tournament as a senior. Earned all-tournament honors as a junior. Earned all-state honors as a senior. Participated in the Arkansas All-Star game as a senior.
Personal: Majoring in family studies. Born on September 18, 1976. Parents are Alfred Williams and Vester Grandy. Has a twin sister named Dionne. Collects Mickey Mouse items.
Full name: Debra DeNette Williams
Nickname: Smokie
Favorite athlete: Allen Iverson
My hobbies are: Shopping for shoes, Mickey Mouse items, and listening to music
My favorite food is: Broccoli and cheese
My favorite movie is: Love Jones
My favorite women's professional team is: The Houston Comets
My favorite women's basketball player is: Teresa Weatherspoon and Dawn Staley
My craziest ambition is: To block someone's shot into the stands
If I weren't playing basketball I would be: In law school
My greatest moment in sports was: Winning the national championship in junior college
Before a basketball game I: Say my serenity prayer
The one thing I like most about basketball is: Playing defense and passing and handling the rock
When I want to get away from basketball I: Listen to music or go shopping
The best athlete I ever played against was: Kim Williams of the Utah Starzz
My primary inspiration in sports is: My family
My goal in life is: To have an opportunity to play professional basketball and later in life become a college coach
My advice to youngsters is: Believe in yourself
The best thing about being an athlete is: The opportunities
The worst thing about being an athlete is: There is no worst thing about being an athlete
Junior College: Averaged seven points per game, three steals per game and 8.3 assists per game as a sophomore at Westark Community College in Fort Smith, Ark. Shot 38.6 percent from the field and 35 percent from the three point line. Named first-team All-Bi-State East Conference her sophomore year. Was the team assist leader. Holds the record for most assists in one game with 15. Helped to lead her team to a 28-3 record as a sophomore and 35-0 record and the national championship her freshman year.
High School: Lettered in basketball for Pine Bluff High School. Recorded the most assists on the team for three consecutive seasons. Named the MVP of the prestigious Joe T. Robinson Tournament as a senior. Earned all-tournament honors as a junior.
Personal: Majoring in general studies. Born on September 18, 1976. Parents are Alfred Williams and Vester Grandy.
The Williams File
Full name: Debra DeNette Williams
Nickname: Smokie
Favorite athlete: Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway
Favorite person: My mom
Favorite food: Broccoli and cheese / greens
Favorite sports team: Orlando Magic
Favorite movie: A Thin Line Between Love and Hate
Favorite TV show: Martin
I chose Missouri because: I think it's a good environment for me to further my education and my basketball career.
What impresses me most about Coach Rutherford is: She is very upfront and honest with everyone.
Before a basketball game I: Pray and get focused
The best thing about being an athlete is: People watch you and what you do and may even look up to you.
The worst thing about being an athlete is: You're under the pressure of doing wrong at any time.
My most memorable basketball achievement: My freshman year, when my JUCO team went 35-0 and won the nationals in Tyler, Texas.
Most influential person in my basketball career: My junior high school coach Cheryl Hately, I will always remember and appreciate her.
If I had a million dollars I'd buy: My mother a big house and let her decorate it, with a built in basketball court for me.
My advice to youngsters is: To keep your head up and follow your dreams and to stay in school.
My goal in life is: To become a coach on a junior college or division I level and to win a championship.