Corliss Williamson, widely known as Cornbread, is a retired American basketball forward who rose to prominence at the University of Arkansas during the Razorbacks’ storied rise in the early 1990s. Williamson’s pivotal role on the 1994 NCAA championship team helped cement his reputation as a versatile scorer and a fearless competitor, paving the way for a professional career that spanned the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Corliss Williamson’s journey from college stardom to the NBA embodies the transition many players make from elite college programs to the professional stage. Across his pro years, Williamson brought a blend of inside scoring presence and mid-range efficiency to the teams he joined, enhancing frontcourt depth and experience.
Early life & College Highlights
Corliss Williamson played for the Arkansas Razorbacks, contributing to the program’s national prominence with the 1994 NCAA Championship run. Williamson’s college production and leadership helped elevate Arkansas’ profile in the pre-roundball era of the mid-1990s.
NBA Career Overview
Corliss Williamson spent his NBA career across the late 1990s and early 2000s, serving as a dependable forward who could contribute off the bench or as a rotation piece in various lineups. His versatility allowed coaches to deploy him at multiple frontcourt spots depending on matchups.
Playing Style & On-Court Impact
Corliss Williamson utilized a sturdy frame, solid interior finishing, and a reliable mid-range jumper, providing value as a complementary scorer and rebounder. His ability to adapt to different roles made him a useful piece in playoff-series depth charts.
Notable Achievements & Moments
Corliss Williamson’s most notable achievement came in college with the 1994 NCAA Championship. In the pros, he developed a reputation as a durable, team-oriented forward who could be counted on in rotation minutes.
Legacy in Arkansas & the NBA
Corliss Williamson remains an emblematic figure of Arkansas basketball’s 1990s era, symbolizing how a college championship can propel a player into a lengthy professional career. His legacy echoes in discussions about the Razorbacks’ golden generation and the era’s frontcourt versatility in the NBA.
Off-Court Life & Post-Retirement
After retirement, Corliss Williamson has continued to influence the sport through coaching clinics, community outreach, and mentorship, reflecting the ongoing impact of his basketball journey.
Career by the Numbers
- NCAA Championship: 1994 with Arkansas
- NBA career: Estimated span in the late 1990s to early 2000s
- Notable statistics are often cited in discussions about frontcourt versatility and finish around the basket.
Compare & Contemporaries
When comparing Corliss Williamson to peers in the Arkansas era, he stands out for his combination of size, efficiency, and adaptability. His profile aligns with players who bridged traditional post play and early-modern scoring.
Relevance for 2025 and Discussion
In 2025, Corliss Williamson’s career remains a reference point for college-to-NBA transition stories, Arkansas’ basketball legacy, and discussions about how the forward role has evolved in professional basketball.
Discussion Questions
- How does Corliss Williamson’s college success compare to his NBA career?
- What made Williamson stand out on the 1994 Arkansas championship team?
- How should Corliss Williamson be remembered in Arkansas’ basketball history?
- Which modern players resemble Williamson’s inside-out forward skill set?
- Should Corliss Williamson be more widely recognized in NBA history discussions?
Join the discussion and share your take on Corliss Williamson’s legacy and impact on basketball in the 1990s and beyond.