While playing for Laurinburg at Nassau Coliseum before a New York Nets game in 1973, Williams was noticed by Nets head coach Lou Carnesecca.[1] When Carnesecca was hired as the St. John's Redmen head coach the following season, Williams joined the team, becoming a starter during his freshman season and staying in the starting lineup for his entire collegiate career.[1][2] During his senior season as team captain, he scored 665 points, breaking the Redmen record for most points scored in a season.[3] Williams ranks 10th in total points scored at St. John's.[4] Carnesecca called him "one of the best two-way players we ever had here".[2]
Williams was inducted into the St. John's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000.[3]