20 Facts About Willie Sojourner

Willard Leon Sojourner was an American collegiate and professional basketball player and international coach.

Willie Sojourner played collegiately at Weber State University and went on to a professional career, winning a championship with the New York Nets and playing overseas.

Willie Sojourner is the older brother of NBA player Mike Sojourner.

Willard Leon Willie Sojourner was born on September 10,1948, to George and Dorothy Willie Sojourner, one of their eleven children.

Willie Sojourner attended Germantown High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he didn't play basketball until his senior year.

Until his senior year, Willie Sojourner had concentrated on swimming and track.

Willie Sojourner was a medalist in the backstroke and butterfly in swimming and a talented high jumper in track.

Willie Sojourner set Big Sky Conference records in scoring and rebounding, leading the Wildcats to three consecutive Big Sky Conference titles and three straight NCAA Tournament invitations.

Willie Sojourner had 9 points and 10 rebounds in his final college game.

Willie Sojourner was selected in the second round of the 1971 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls.

Willie Sojourner was selected the Virginia Squires of the American Basketball Association as their 1st Round pick in the 1971 ABA Draft.

Willie Sojourner signed with Virginia and played for the ABA Squires in and New York Nets.

Willie Sojourner and Erving were roommates on the road, the best man in each other's weddings and Willie Sojourner dubbed Erving with the nickname "Dr J".

Willie Sojourner had 25 points vs the Kentucky Colonels on October 27,1971; 26 points vs the San Diego Conquistadors on December 2,1972; 26 points vs the Carolina Cougars on January 27,1974; and 18 vs the Denver Nuggets on February 27.

Willie Sojourner had not played much during the preseason and the Nets, who had centers Swen Nater and Kim Hughes on the roster chose not to keep three centers.

Thanks to rules which greatly restricted transfers of foreign players, Willie Sojourner remained with Sebastiani for six years, until 1982.

Willie Sojourner mentored younger players such as Roberto Brunamonti and Domenico Zampolini.

Willie Sojourner was just over a month into the position when, on night of October 19,2005, he was killed in a car accident.

Willie Sojourner was returning to his home near Rieti when, due to rain and high speed, he lost control of his car which crashed into a tree.

Willie Sojourner's funeral took place inside the Palaloniano, Sebastiani's basketball arena, officiated by the bishop of Rieti Delio Lucarelli.