Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Announces 2025 Finalists: Charles “Buck” Williams Earns Well-Deserved Recognition

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has officially announced its 2025 finalists, and among them stands Charles “Buck” Williams—a dominant force in NBA history, celebrated for his rebounding prowess, defensive intensity, and unwavering durability over 17 seasons.

 

This long-overdue recognition has been supported by the Fordham Preparatory School Sports Analytics Club (SACP), with guidance from St. John’s University, whose data-driven case for Williams’ induction highlights his statistical legacy and undeniable impact on the game.

 

Additionally, the University of Maryland, Williams’ alma mater, has actively championed his Hall of Fame bid, celebrating his contributions to both their program and professional basketball.

Photo Credit: University of Maryland Athletics

Fordham Prep’s Data-Driven Case for Induction & A Career Defined by Excellence

The Fordham Prep Sports Analytics Club, supported by faculty at St. John’s University, spearheaded an extensive research effort to evaluate Buck Williams’ career and place his achievements alongside those of previously enshrined Hall of Famers. Their Hall of Fame Performance Portfolio, submitted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, demonstrates how Williams’ consistency, longevity, defensive dominance, and impact on winning teams make him a clear candidate for enshrinement.

Portfolio Submitted

Key Findings from the Fordham Prep SACP Analysis:

The Fordham Prep SACP study compared Williams’ career statistics to those of Hall of Famers such as Nate Thurmond, Bob Lanier, Walt Bellamy, Ralph Sampson, Vlade Divac, Jack Sikma, and Chris Webber. Their findings showed that:

  • Williams outperformed or matched these Hall of Famers in field goal percentage, rebounds per game, win shares, and defensive win shares.
  • His defensive win shares and total career win shares place him in elite company, surpassing several players already inducted into the Hall of Fame.
  • Williams played more games per season than nearly all comparable Hall of Famers, proving his durability and consistency over time.

Among their most compelling findings:

  • Elite Rebounding: Williams ranks 3rd all-time in offensive rebounds and 16th in total rebounds, making him the only retired player in the NBA’s Top 20 Total Rebounds list who is not yet in the Hall of Fame.
  • Winning Impact: He ranks 47th all-time in win shares, a statistic that credits players for their contributions to team success.
  • Durability & Consistency: Over 17 seasons, Williams maintained a career double-double average (12.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG) while playing more games per season than nearly all comparable Hall of Famers.
  • Defensive Excellence: A two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection, Williams anchored playoff-contending defenses, including the Portland Trail Blazers’ back-to-back NBA Finals appearances (1990, 1992).

This data-driven case, produced by Fordham Prep SACP with support from St. John’s University, has been an instrumental piece in advocating for Williams’ induction.

A Legacy That Demands Recognition

Beyond the numbers, Williams was a transformative player. As a rookie in 1981-82, he led the New Jersey Nets to a 20-game improvement, earning NBA Rookie of the Year honors. With the Portland Trail Blazers, he was the missing piece that turned the team into a title contender, helping lead them to three consecutive Western Conference Finals and two NBA Finals appearances.

 

Williams’ case for enshrinement is built on decades of sustained excellence, elite rebounding, defensive dominance, and statistical validation. As the basketball world awaits the final Hall of Fame selections, one thing is clear—Buck Williams’ impact on the game is undeniable, and his rightful place is among the legends in Springfield.

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