Bill Willoughby

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William (Bill) Wesley Willoughby (born May 20, 1957 in Englewood, New Jersey) is an American former professional basketball player. After graduating from Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood, he was selected by the Atlanta Hawks in the 1975 NBA Draft as the first pick in the second round (19th overall). He, along with Darryl Dawkins, were the first high school students to be drafted into the NBA. Therefore, Willoughby bypassed college.

[edit] Playing Career

While Moses Malone (drafted into the ABA out of high school in 1974) and Dawkins enjoyed more captivating professional careers, Willoughby had a career that was mediocre. He was a journeyman who played for six different NBA teams in eight years, before his career ended with the New Jersey Nets in 1984, at the age of 26.

Though his playing career was not spectacular, he is credited as the precursor to future stars who entered the NBA without college: Shawn Kemp, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.

[edit] Education

Though he later regretted skipping college, he eventually received his degree in communications from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2001, at the age of 44.

He has since become a vocal advocate in support of education.