Tim Williams has always been a difference maker.
Whether as a quarterback leading the Homewood-Flossmoor football team to postseason successes or as a forward on the basketball team.
Williams had to choose between football and basketball. He chose basketball. The 6-foot-7 Williams committed last week to play for Isiah Thomas and Florida International University in Miami.
"Him being the coach had a little bit of influence on my decision," Williams said. "The one thing I liked from my visit was the players and I got along fine with them.
"Another was Milton Doyle, from Marshall, is going there and he is a Chicago kid."
What Williams also likes is that chance to make a difference right away.
"I feel I can step in and be a help," he said. "I want the opportunity to be able to have that chance and I feel Florida International gives me that chance."
The Panthers were 8-21 last season and are members of the Sun Belt Conference. At H-F, Williams was a Times All-Area pick in both football and basketball. On the court, he led the Vikings to a Class 4A regional title as they lost to Bloom Township in the Lockport Sectional final. He averaged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.3 assists per game.
In football, he led the Vikings to a Class 8A semifinal berth in 2010, where they lost to Mount Carmel. In 2011, Williams helped the Vikings to the Class 8A quarterfinals, where they lost to Naperville Central. On the gridiron, Williams was 167-of-254 passing for 2,628 yards, 31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 10 scores.
"I may miss football a little bit," Williams said.
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