A founder of professional basketball in Texas, Max Williams also displayed skills as a wizard of the hardwood. Williams was the first prep player in Texas history to make the all-state team three years in a row and is widely credited as the first player to use the behind-the-back dribble. During his prep career he led Avoca to a 44-1 record and made the all-tournament team in every tournament that Avoca entered. In 1955 he scored 1,264 points and led Avoca to the Class B state title over Big Sandy. He also earned MVP honors at the 1956 THSCA All-Star Game and made the All-American team. Williams left the high school ranks as the state's all-time leading scorer with 3,360 points, a record that stood for 10 years. Against even tougher competition Williams poured in 30 points for Texas squad in the annual Oil Bowl All-Star game. His sharp shooting continued at SMU where he made the All-SWC basketball team in 1960. Williams graduated as the Mustangs' third all-time scorer with 940 points. He later was the driving force behind the ABA's Dallas Chaparrals (later the San Antonio Spurs) and served as the team's General Manager from 1967-1972. Williams also served as Coach for parts of the 1971 and 1972 seasons. Williams is a member of the TSHOF Class of 2009.