Bill Tatman was recruited by the late Jake Christiansen who promised him a four-year scholarship by saying, "Come over for two weeks. If you like Valpo and Valpo likes you, a four-year scholarship is yours.

A center for Valpo, Bill was named to the Indiana Small College All Star Team by the Indianapolis Star. Although he received enough votes to play in the Chicago Tribune's College All Star game, he was not selected by the coaches of that year's team. In 1947 he played with the Armed Services team in Japan prior to his discharge from the military. In 1965 he was selected to the Sports Illustrated "Silver Anniversary Team.