Mikey Williams announced his commitment to the University of Memphis via social media on 11/05/22. photo via players Instagram / @Mikey
High school basketball sensation, Mikey Williams, could potentially face up to 28 years in prison.
High school basketball prodigy Mikey Williams has conjured global attention for the past five years as a result of his astonishing athleticism and media personality. Williams, currently 19 years old, has already amassed a net worth of roughly over five million dollars as well as an Instagram following of around 3.7 million. The five-star shooting guard committed to play ball at the University of Memphis about a year ago. However, Williams now faces up to five charges of assault with a weapon, potentially leading to a maximum 28 year prison sentence, shattering his hooping dreams.
Williams was born June 26, 2004, in San Diego, California. His parents, Charisse and Mahlon Williams, were once successful athletes in their own regard. Charisse played Division 1 softball at Hampton University and Mahlon was considered a star basketball player for Sweetwater High School in California. The couple’s athletic expertise motivated their son to improve his game from a young age. Williams picked up a basketball at 11 months old and never looked back. Throughout his adolescence, he crafted his skills on the outdoor court of his apartment complex. It didn’t take long for people to acknowledge Williams’s vast potential; he scored his first in-game dunk in sixth grade at just 12 years old. By seventh and eighth grade, Williams was named the number one player in the class of 2023 by the Naismith National Youth All-American Report. In his 8th grade year he joined the North Coast Blue Chips, playing alongside LeBron James’ eldest son, Bronny James. In addition to procuring an even larger fan base, it was here that Williams developed a relationship with LeBron. James would become a mentor for Williams, guiding his path to success on and off the court.
In ninth grade, Williams began playing for his hometown school, San Ysidro High School. Despite Williams’s fame, in an interview with The San Diego Union-Tribune, his coach and teammates described him as a very down to earth and laid-back guy who was just looking to play more basketball. In the same interview, his coach and family friend, Terry Tucker, revealed that, “as good of a basketball player as he is, he’s a better person. He’s like an old soul, and that’s his parents.” After his first season with San Ysidro, William’s had already received half a dozen scholarship offers to colleges such as San Diego State University, University of San Diego, and the University of Southern California. Standing at 6’3 and weighing in at 180 lbs, Williams was a frightening sight for any high school defender. His vision and playmaking alongside his elite scoring abilities made Williams a sought after recruit throughout all four years of his high school career.
A supreme court ruling was passed in 2021, loosening NCAA restrictions regarding financial compensation given to collegiate athletes. This legislation determined that the NCAA may no longer restrict its member institutions from granting education-related compensation and benefits to student athletes. Further legislation was then passed, allowing student-athletes to receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness. In the same year, while looking to capitalize on this financial opportunity, Williams signed a deal with Excel Sports Management, making him the first high school athlete to partner with a major sports representation agency. In an interview, Williams told ESPN that “the NIL rules provide a new opportunity for someone like me that has put so much energy and effort into building a community. I am excited to be the first high school athlete to make this move.” Later into 2021, Williams landed a multiyear footwear and apparel endorsement deal with Puma. As a junior in high school, Williams was taking steps in his career that many NBA players never had the fortune to deal with. The following year, Williams committed to play for the University of Memphis coached by former NBA All-Star Penny Hardaway.
Williams’ future was looking extremely bright until he was arrested back in March of this year. On March 27th, at his home in eastern San Diego County, Williams allegedly fired gunshots at a Tesla fleeing his house after an argument broke out just before midnight. In a news release, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department disclosed that bullets hit the car, but all five passengers remained unharmed. Witnesses claimed that Williams began making threats before forcing the group of five to leave. One witness claimed that Williams told the group, “we better get to stepping or you’ll leave with bullet holes.” Another witness testified Williams said, “we’re up in the mountains so no one will be able to save us or help us.” Williams’ attorney claimed the incident occurred after “several uninvited individuals” entered Williams’ residence and caused a disturbance. Sheriff’s Detective Bradley Farr told the press that the gun described by the witnesses was not found when a search warrant was served at Williams’ home on April 13th. However, officers found a handgun and other various weapons. The same day, Williams was released from custody on account of a $50,000 bond, a small amount for the social media sensation.
Earlier this month, Williams was ordered to stand trial by a Superior Court judge on account of his six felony gun charges. His arraignment is scheduled for October 24, a day the process of determining the fate of Williams’ entire career. Although Williams remains on the Memphis roster and is enrolled in classes, he is not permitted on campus until his legal situation runs its course. In regard to Williams’ case, Coach Hardaway told the press, “I think we’re still just waiting.”
October 24th marks the beginning of Williams’ trial, the start of a lengthy legal process that will last for months. Williams’ future with the University of Memphis is not looking bright at the moment. However, fans of basketball will be anxiously awaiting for the verdict of this trial, a decision that will make or break the future of a potential generational talent.
