He was great basketball player at the collegiate and pro levels whose career was shortened by injuries. If he'd remained healthy he would most likely be in the GOAT conversation. He overcame a severe stutter and went on to successful career as a TV color man and analyst for college and pro basketball where he was known as a lovable goof ball.
He was both mine and my younger brother's favorite baller and, being big men, we modeled our games after his brand of team-oriented play. Bill was also a committed leftist and probably the world's most prominent Deadhead, which further endeared him to us.