EXCLUSIVE: Head Coach, Fred Williams, Talks WNBA, Skylar Diggins, & Hip-Hop Jazz

Fred Williams is not what you would expect.  As the head coach for the WNBA’s Tulsa Shock, Williams has an extensive career history but finds the time to indulge in other things that are different in nature.  But it is his career that has captured the attention of his peers and students of the game.

Williams served as an assistant coach at the University of Southern California from 1983 to 1990, and as head coach from 1995 to 1997. Williams coached the Utah Starzz (now the San Antonio Stars) of the WNBA from 1999 to 2001, and later served as an assistant coach with the Charlotte Sting. Williams coached the San Diego Siege of the NWBL and was coach of the year in 2006-07 before joining the Atlanta Dream as an assistant coach in 2009.

Williams took over as head coach and general manager of the Atlanta Dream of the WNBA on August 27, 2012. The Dream lost their first game under Williams, falling to the Tulsa Shock 84-80. However, the team rebounded, winning six of their next seven, and qualifying for the 2012 playoffs.

In his first full season as head coach, the Dream got out to a 10-1 record, which at the time was the best in the league. However, forward Sancho Lyttle went out with a fractured foot, and the Dream struggled to finish the season 17-17. Nevertheless, the Dream got hot in the playoffs, and earned their third trip to the WNBA Finals in four seasons.

On January 23, 2014, the Tulsa Shock announced hiring Williams as their third head coach since the franchise moved to Tulsa.

Fred Williams recently granted STACKS Magazine the opportunity for an interview.  What was discovered was that Williams loves the WNBA, but would entertain a move to the NBA. He is also a hip-hop fan and has produced two albums, which many people don’t know.  He’s living life despite the stress and hectic schedule that comes with his job.

In the interview below, Williams also discusses popular player Skylar Diggins, Tulsa Shock, and what he’d be doing if he hadn’t pursued a career in coaching.

How long have you been coaching for in the WNBA? What are your expectations for the Tulsa Shock next season?

I have been coaching in the WNBA for over 16 years. I expect the Tulsa Shock to be a playoff contender next season… I’ve been there and I know what it takes to get to that next level… I plan for us to be winners.

What key position do you feel in the draft or through free agency will help the Shock make the playoffs next season?

I feel we have the right formula in scoring guards, but next season we need a better handle on scoring defense. We will look in the draft for size and in free-agency for team needs. Having young players that are working hard every day towards success helps the formula process work faster. Our needs our to get longer and stronger at the wing area.

Do you feel Skylar Diggins can become the best player? Or is already the best player in the WNBA?

I truly say, Diggins a very very hard worker on and off the basketball court. After having a down rookie season and then for her to bounce back and play hard for me was truly a statement that she is heading in the right direction to become one of the best in the WNBA. In 2014 she was awarded the Most Improved Player in the WNBA.

If you were offered an assistant or head coach job in the NBA, would you consider taking it?

I would strongly have to consider the options. It’s very coaches dream to be a head coach on some level, but to coach in the NBA would be another dream that would welcomed.

Tell readers about Freddy Bass Williams and the two albums you have released.

My first album was released in 2008 called “Game Time” and my second album was released in 2012 called “My Gift to You”. I got the nickname Freddy Bass Williams because I like a lot of bass sound in my music. I would drive down the street in my car and you could hear my 808 bass speakers two blocks away… Lol. I call my music Hip Hop Jazz, it has hip hop beat but a lead Sax or Piano vibe. It’s a hobby for me to write songs in the off season. Some people read books or golf. I like to create music.

If you wasn’t coaching in the WNBA or a musician, what would you be doing?

Working in construction, or acting. I like building things and being a funny actor.

When you’re not in the studio or coaching in the WNBA, what do you do in your free time?

Always looking for new basketball talent and watching college basketball games. I also like going to view NBA games around the country. But I spend most of my time at home working and enjoying life.