Corliss Williamson has never rooted against his beloved alma mater. Never. His devotion to the University of Arkansas goes back to his boyhood growing up in the small town of Russellville, Ark. Even with blue blood programs nationwide salivating over him, it was an easy decision to go a few hours north and play for then-Hogs head coach Nolan Richardson.
However, Williamson will be at Bud Walton Arena Friday night and the two-time SEC Player of the Year, who helped the Hogs to the 1994 national championship, will be rooting against his alma mater.
But he has good reason. His son, Creed, is a sophomore forward for Little Rock, the Razorbacks' nonconference opponent Friday night.
"I'm going to feel a range of emotions," said the older Williamson, who is a Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach. "First, I am going to feel a little nervous because I want my son to do well and not feel the pressure and just go out and enjoy himself and have fun.
"On the other side, it is my alma mater, and I am going to be inside Bud Walton Arena cheering for a different team. You have to protect your house and family and support them. I will be doing that and rooting for him [and Little Rock]. I'm going to root [for Arkansas] 364 days a year, but I can't do it Friday night. I hope the fans understand."
Creed, a 6-foot-8, 230-pound sophomore, couldn't believe his eyes when he was sitting in a meeting room in the offseason and saw on a markerboard that the Trojans were playing their in-state foe for just the second time in school history.
"I've been thinking about this ever since it was announced, really," Creed said. "I saw them draw a Hog on the board and said, 'Wow, we are playing Arkansas this year.'"
Because his dad's NBA career took the family around the country, he's only been to Bud Walton Arena twice – once when his dad's number was retired when he was in grade school and last season when the Razorbacks played Duke. Creed's friend, Sean Stewart, played for the Blue Devils last season.
"It was special [at the jersey retirement]," Creed said. "I remember calling the Hogs. There is video out there on YouTube - people can find it. People see it and say, 'He was so small.' But it was fun."
Living outside of Arkansas growing up, Creed didn't feel pressure to live up to his dad. In fact, he didn't care much about basketball. He played football, soccer and lacrosse for one year.
"Growing up, I didn't really like basketball," Creed said. "This sounds crazy, but I didn't really like it until about three years ago. That is when I really started to enjoy it."
The pressure mounted when the family moved to Little Rock and Creed prepped at Little Rock Christian Academy. He also played for his dad in the summer. With his stature and talent, the comparisons were inevitable.
"Growing up, it wasn't a big deal but coming back to [Little Rock] my sophomore year kind of messed me up," Creed said. "I'm my own person now. I am not him. I sympathize with Bronny James a lot. I understand but not to the same extent. His is worldwide, and mine is smaller, but I see where he is coming from."
Even with the burden of lofty expectations, Creed managed to average 14 points and 8 rebounds as a senior. That season followed a junior year in which he averaged 12 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
He elected to play one season of prep school at Link Year Academy in Branson, Mo. He averaged 10.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and one block per game.
Creed picked Little Rock over Louisiana Tech and Jackson State. Corliss was happy his son played for a coach he had a connection with. Little Rock head coach Darrell Walker also starred at Arkansas and played in the NBA. His NBA coaching career coincided with Corliss's playing days, so they knew each other well.
"Being a fellow former Hog and former NBA player, we had gone down the same path," Corliss said. "I knew [Walker] would coach him hard, and he'd learn a lot.
"I was also excited for Creed to be playing at home with family and friends nearby who could offer him support."
So far this season, Creed is averaging 3.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. His dad watches every game and offers advice. Creed said when he was younger, his dad was harsher but is positive now.
"I think he's been up and down a little bit," Corliss said. "He could have been playing better and doing some more things he is capable of offensively, but I'd say he has been solid."
Creed said he sees a difference from his freshman season when he played 10 minutes per game averaging 2.3 points and 2.0 assists per game.
"From where I was last year, I have matured as a player a lot," Creed said. "I have been able to read the defense and see where everybody is. [Walker] has emphasized not being focused on one person but finding the open man. Just take your time with it and don't rush anything."
No matter what happens the next three seasons, Corliss is just happy to see his son play college basketball.
"We have always told our boys that they have to create their own path," Corliss said. "They don't have to be like me. They can be different. When we came back to Arkansas, there were times it got tough on him in high school.
"We had to reassure him to not worry about what other people say. You just have to give it your best and play hard and don't worry about it. I'm proud of him if he makes 10 shots or zero shots. He knows I am proud of him and support him."
And support Friday night means Corliss is rooting for the Trojans. He is flying from Toronto, Canada where the Timberwolves play the Raptors Thursday night. There is a possibility Creed won't play in the game after sitting out Wednesday night's win at Tulsa with an injury.
"It would mean a lot to [to beat Arkansas]," Creed said. "It would be really exciting and fun. I would be able to say, 'I beat your team, and you didn't beat mine."
