Arkansas has announced plans to honor basketball legend Corliss Williamson by erecting a statue at Bud Walton Arena, celebrating his enduring legacy and contributions to the Razorbacks’ basketball program.
Known affectionately as “Big Nasty,” Williamson was instrumental in leading Arkansas to its only NCAA men’s basketball championship in 1994 and a runner-up finish in 1995. His exceptional performance earned him the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award and back-to-back SEC Player of the Year honors .
A native of Russellville, Arkansas, Williamson chose to stay in-state for college, becoming a cornerstone of Coach Nolan Richardson’s “40 Minutes of Hell” system. Over his three-year collegiate career, he averaged 19.0 points per game and amassed 1,728 points, ranking eighth in school history . His jersey number 34 is one of only two retired by the program, alongside Sidney Moncrief’s number 32 .
The statue will stand outside Bud Walton Arena, also known as the “Basketball Palace of Mid-America,” which opened in 1993 and has been the home of Razorbacks basketball ever since . This tribute coincides with ongoing renovations to the arena, marking its 30th anniversary and reinforcing its status as a central hub for Arkansas basketball .
The unveiling ceremony is expected to take place during the 2025–26 season, aligning with the completion of the arena’s renovations. This statue will serve as a lasting tribute to Williamson’s impact on the program and his role in elevating Arkansas basketball to national prominence.
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