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William Gates, born on December 28, 1971, is an American former college basketball player. Gates, who was also featured in the 1994 documentary Hoop Dreams, aspired to play in the NBA. Gates is also the father of Will Gates Jr., a college basketball player who averaged 23.5 points per game during his senior season in high school. Gates Jr. received a full scholarship to Furman University and was named to the Southern Conference All-Freshman Team.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Gates |
| Nick Name | Will Gates |
| Date of Birth | 28 December 1971 |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6'0" (183 cm) |
| Position | Guard |
| College | Marquette University |
| Documentary | Hoop Dreams (1994) |
| Co-Star | Arthur Agee |
| Children | William Gates Jr., Alicia Gates |
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What You'll Learn
William Gates' career in college basketball
William Gates, born on December 28, 1971, is a former American college basketball player. He played as a guard and stood at 6 feet (183 cm) tall.
Gates is the subject of the 1994 documentary film Hoop Dreams, which follows his journey from the Cabrini-Green housing projects to his recruitment by St. Joseph High School in Westchester, Illinois. During high school, Gates worked hard to improve his basketball skills and academic performance, despite initially struggling with a low reading level. He eventually earned a scholarship to Marquette University, where he faced challenges due to a knee injury that limited his playing time and recruitment offers.
After graduating from Marquette University, Gates pursued a career in real estate. However, his passion for basketball remained, and he continued to stay connected to the sport. In 2001, he even had the opportunity to work out with NBA star Michael Jordan as Jordan prepared for a comeback. Unfortunately, Gates injured his foot and was unable to capitalize on the opportunity further.
Despite the setbacks, Gates' love for basketball continued into the next generation. His eldest son, William Gates Jr., became a talented basketball player himself, averaging 23.5 points per game during his senior season in high school. Following in his father's footsteps, he also earned a basketball scholarship to Furman University in South Carolina. William Gates Jr. demonstrated his skills by making it to the Southern Conference All-Freshman Team while with the Paladins.
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Gates' appearance in the 1994 documentary *Hoop Dreams*
William Gates, born on December 28, 1971, is an American former college basketball player. He is one of the two subjects of the 1994 documentary film, *Hoop Dreams*, alongside Arthur Agee. The film follows the two young African-American men from the Cabrini-Green housing projects in their pursuit of turning their basketball talent into professional careers with the NBA.
The documentary captures their recruitment by St. Joseph High School in Westchester, Illinois, a predominantly white suburban school known for its excellent basketball program. During high school, Gates worked diligently to enhance his basketball skills and improve his academics, facing initial challenges due to a low reading level. He strived to attain the required score of 18 on the ACT exam to secure a basketball scholarship at Marquette University, ultimately achieving a 17.5 aggregate score, which was rounded up. Unfortunately, Gates suffered a knee injury at St. Joseph's, which hindered his playing opportunities and recruitment prospects.
Hoop Dreams provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of Gates and Agee, showcasing their families, homes, and the uphill battles they faced to rise above their impoverished neighbourhoods. The film, shot over five years, captures their daily 90-minute commute to high school and their unwavering determination to pursue their basketball dreams. Despite their ambition and talent, neither Gates nor Agee ultimately made it to the pros. However, they remain two of the most important players in Chicago's basketball history.
The impact of *Hoop Dreams* extends beyond the basketball court. It offers a candid and emotional portrayal of the young men's journeys, shedding light on the social and physical obstacles they navigate. The film has been hailed as a "once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon," showcasing the power and originality that documentaries can achieve. The exposure from the documentary initially brought excitement and glamour, and Gates and Agee remain inseparable from each other and from the story of basketball itself.
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Gates' post-basketball career as a pastor
William Gates, born on December 28, 1971, is an American former college basketball player. He is known for being one of the two high school basketball players featured in the 1994 documentary "Hoop Dreams". The documentary followed Gates and Arthur Agee, two promising teenage players from the inner-city Chicago area, and their journey to turn their basketball talent into professional careers with the NBA.
After his basketball career, Gates moved back to Chicago and worked various odd jobs. He then attempted a basketball comeback in 2001, which was derailed by a broken foot. Following this setback, Gates committed his life to preaching and worked at the Kids' Club. He pursued a Bible degree at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and subsequently became a pastor at the Living Faith Community Center in Cabrini-Green. Gates served as a pastor at the Living Faith Community Center until July 2012, when he and his family moved to the San Antonio, Texas area to escape Chicago's inner-city violence.
In San Antonio, Gates continued to be involved in ministry and spoke at various churches. He has also been responsible for developing young talent and providing opportunities for them to play high-level basketball. Gates has four children, including a son, William Gates Jr., who followed in his father's basketball footsteps. William Jr. received a basketball scholarship to Furman University and later transferred to Houston Baptist University, where he continued his successful basketball career.
Gates has also ventured into clothing design, starting his own clothing line, HD22 Clothing, which draws inspiration from the impact and influence of the "Hoop Dreams" documentary on sports and fashion.
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Gates' son, William Gates Jr., following in his father's footsteps
William Gates, born on December 28, 1971, is a former American college basketball player. He was the subject of the 1994 documentary film Hoop Dreams, which followed his journey from the Cabrini-Green housing projects to his recruitment by St. Joseph High School in Westchester, Illinois. Despite facing academic challenges and a knee injury during high school, Gates went on to play college basketball and pursue a career in the NBA.
Following in his father's footsteps, William Gates Jr. became a basketball player himself. Born on March 28, 1995, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Gates Jr. attended Samuel Clemens High School in Schertz, Texas, where he excelled on the basketball court, averaging 23.5 points per game during his senior season. He received a full scholarship to Furman University in South Carolina for his impressive performance.
During his freshman season and the first half of his sophomore year at Furman University, Gates Jr. showcased his talent and was named to the Southern Conference All-Freshman Team. However, seeking new opportunities, he transferred to Houston Baptist University (now known as Houston Christian University) in Texas, where he continued to develop as a player.
Standing at 6'1" tall, Gates Jr. played as a guard, a position that allowed him to utilize his skills and quick reflexes effectively. He was a member of the university's basketball team, appearing in 15 games during his junior year and averaging 8.3 minutes per game, with a scoring average of 2.2 points.
William Gates Jr.'s journey in the world of basketball mirrors that of his father's, as he navigates the challenges and triumphs of the sport. Both father and son have left their mark on the basketball courts, with Gates Jr. continuing to pursue his passion and make a name for himself in the sport.
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Gates' collaboration with Arthur Agee on a *Hoop Dreams* sequel
William Gates and Arthur Agee were the subjects of the 1994 documentary film Hoop Dreams. The film followed the two African-American teenagers from poor Chicago neighbourhoods and their dream of becoming professional basketball players.
Although neither man achieved his dream of making the NBA, they ended up making more of an impact than many who did. Gates, who suffered a knee injury that limited his playing and recruitment offers, became a pastor at the Living Faith Community Center in Cabrini-Green, and later a preacher in San Antonio. Agee, meanwhile, dabbled in acting and now runs a Hoop Dreams clothing line and continues to do speaking events.
In 2024, it was reported that Agee and Gates were planning a sequel to the original Hoop Dreams, a project they're calling After the Dream. The film will include updates on their lives as well as those of other characters in the film, including their best friends and late family members – Agee's father and Gates' older brother were both murdered after the original movie came out. After the Dream will also show how Hoop Dreams changed basketball and movie culture, and will be a testament to the connection Agee and Gates share.
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Frequently asked questions
William Gates, born on December 28, 1971, is an American former college basketball player. He is known for being one of the two subjects of the 1994 documentary film "Hoop Dreams", which followed his journey to becoming a professional basketball player in the NBA.
Will Gates' dream of becoming an NBA player was cut short due to a knee injury he suffered during high school, which limited his playing and recruitment offers. After his basketball career ended, Gates pursued a different path and became a pastor at the Living Faith Community Center in Cabrini-Green until 2012, when he moved to San Antonio, Texas.
Will Gates is currently a preacher in San Antonio, Texas, and has published a memoir. He also has his own clothing line and hosts a "Hoop Dreams" podcast with Arthur Agee, the other subject of the documentary. Additionally, Gates and Agee are planning a sequel to the original "Hoop Dreams" documentary, titled "After the Dream".
