"Terrence Williams had watched Aaron Brooks pass and imagined himself on the receiving end. He was younger and at a point when athletes are separated by their age, but he was long and strong and carried a growing reputation.

He was 11 and had yet to start playing basketball. And if he was going to be a teammate of Brooks, it was assumed it would be in football.

Williams, acquired by the Rockets last week, was a young wide receiver and safety who had seen Brooks play quarterback. Brooks was a passer who, despite his quickness, did not like to keep the ball.

Williams, however, was two years younger and never hooked up with Brooks in those days in Seattle. Instead, he played for Brooks' father, Al , and envisioned a career in football.

"I was real young," Williams said. "His father is a great guy. He is a great football coach.

"I used to watch Aaron when he was younger. He was a quarterback. Aaron was real nice. He was great. He was the best, definitely, growing up."

Williams was not far behind. As a senior at Rainier Beach High School, he switched to quarterback for the state championship game, winning that title to go with a basketball championship the year before.

"He was a good wide receiver, an athlete, good hands," Brooks said. "In little league, no one throws the ball very well. But he was the best player on the team."

Brooks said at that point he never considered passing to Williams.

"You know me," he said. "I make everyone look good."

A few years later, Williams discovered basketball. He did not make his choice, however, until Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino told him it had become time to pick a sport."