Mikey Williams’ freshman year at UCF may not have lived up to the hype, but it’s far from the end of his story. Like many young athletes, he faced adversity, and how he responds will define his legacy
His transfer to Sacramento State marks a new beginning—one filled with potential and a support system that believes in his future.
In college basketball, sometimes the best stories are those of reinvention. Mikey Williams has the opportunity to be one of those stories. The talent is there, the stage is set, and now, it’s up to him to deliver.
Now at Sacramento State, expectations will once again follow Mikey Williams. But this time, the narrative is different.
He’s not just the social media star anymore—he’s a player looking to prove he belongs at the Division I level. His journey will be watched closely, not for highlights, but for progress.
Fans, coaches, and analysts will be watching to see if he can take the lessons from UCF and use them to fuel his next step. The combination of raw talent and high-level mentorship gives him a real chance to turn the corner.
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Mikey Williams Opens Up About Life Beyond the Court
Mikey Williams, a standout basketball player and Sacramento State commit, recently sat down with Tom Weingarten in a revealing interview that premiered on Overtime’s YouTube channel.1
While most fans recognize him for his on-court brilliance, Williams used this opportunity to shed light on the lesser-known aspects of his life—fishing, music, and self-expression.
In a candid and personal conversation, Williams showed that his identity extends well beyond the basketball court.
If you can’t give me my flowers now don’t give them to me when I die.💯
— Mikey Williams (@619PRESIDENTIAL) August 19, 2022
A Shark Encounter to Remember
During the interview, Weingarten asked Williams whether he had any wild fishing stories.
Without hesitation, Williams responded with a jaw-dropping tale: he once caught a shark.
“Oh, I caught a shark,” Williams casually shared at the 14:13 mark of the video. “Yeah. It took me like 45 minutes. I’m reeling it in. We couldn’t even bring it. We just had to cut the line, though, because we brought it all the way. But we can’t do anything with it, so I had to cut the line.”
The story, delivered in Williams’ laid-back tone, reflects not only his love for fishing but also his willingness to embrace challenges.
Battling a shark on a fishing line for 45 minutes takes patience, endurance, and determination—all traits that undoubtedly serve him well on the basketball court.
Mikey Williams: The Therapeutic Power of Fishing
For many athletes, finding an outlet beyond their sport is essential to maintaining balance in their lives. For Mikey Williams, that outlet is fishing.2
The sport, often associated with tranquility and focus, contrasts with the high-intensity world of competitive basketball. Fishing offers Williams a much-needed mental break and a way to decompress.
Fishing has become more than just a hobby—it’s a form of therapy. The quiet, the stillness, the rhythm of casting a line and waiting for a bite—it all helps him stay grounded.
In a world that often places young athletes under relentless scrutiny, this peaceful activity provides Mikey with the opportunity to slow down and reflect.
Breaking Stereotypes: The Athlete as an Artist
Later in the interview, Weingarten pivoted to another surprising passion of Williams: music.
Noticing that the young star had been releasing tracks and promoting them on social media, Weingarten asked whether music was something Williams seriously wanted to pursue.
Williams’ answer revealed a thoughtful, introspective side of the athlete:
“I think it started just getting stuff off my chest,” he explained at the 15:14 timestamp. “I think my talent with the music kind of surprised me. So I do want to start dropping stuff because I think I got some good messages, you know what I’m saying.”
This sentiment isn’t uncommon among young people, but it’s especially impactful coming from a high-profile athlete.
Williams is breaking the stereotype of the one-dimensional jock, showing that creativity and emotional expression are just as integral to his identity as athleticism.
Mikey Williams: Messages That Matter
Williams isn’t just making music for the sake of doing something new; he’s doing it with a purpose.3
He emphasized that his songs carry meaningful messages—words that reflect his journey, his struggles, and his mindset.
“I feel like you can hear it a lot through my music. I want to drop a few songs. I don’t want to take it like super serious just because I understand that people have a certain image of me.”
In other words, he’s not aiming for fame in the music industry. His artistic output is about authenticity and self-expression. He’s well aware of the public’s expectations and the box they’ve placed him in as a basketball prodigy.
But rather than trying to conform to those expectations, Williams is subtly challenging them—on his own terms.
Navigating Public Perception
One of the most revealing parts of the interview was Williams’ understanding of how he’s perceived.
He acknowledged that pursuing music might cause some people to question his focus or intentions. Yet, his decision to proceed with music anyway speaks to his confidence and self-assuredness.
“I ain’t trying to really like have them drag it or nothing like that.”
This quote illustrates a deep understanding of the complexities that come with fame. Williams knows that public opinion can be harsh and unforgiving, especially for young athletes who step outside traditional boundaries.
Nevertheless, he refuses to let fear dictate his choices. Instead, he’s navigating fame with clarity and wisdom beyond his years.
The Mental Side of Stardom
Balancing sports, hobbies, and public attention isn’t easy—especially for someone as young and high-profile as Mikey Williams.
But his approach to managing all these moving pieces highlights a growing awareness of mental health and personal well-being.
Fishing and music aren’t just hobbies for Mikey; they’re forms of self-care. They allow him to maintain balance, to stay emotionally connected, and to find joy outside of basketball.
These activities serve as safe spaces where he can be himself, away from the pressures and expectations of the public eye.
Staying Grounded Amidst the Hype
Despite being one of the most hyped prospects in high school basketball, Williams remains remarkably grounded.
His willingness to open up about everyday experiences—like struggling to reel in a shark or experimenting with music—makes him relatable.
It reminds fans that behind the highlight reels and media headlines is a young man just trying to grow, express himself, and enjoy life.
Williams could easily lean into the fame and ride the wave of public attention without ever showing this side of himself.
But instead, he chooses honesty and vulnerability, offering a refreshing look at the multi-dimensional lives that athletes often lead.
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Mikey Williams Fared at UCF to Start His College Basketball Career
Mikey Williams entered the college basketball scene with significant buzz surrounding his name.
Once a social media sensation and highly ranked high school recruit, Williams’ transition to the collegiate level brought with it a wave of expectations.
However, his freshman year at the University of Central Florida (UCF) offered a different reality—one filled with adjustment, modest stats, and an eventual decision to move on.
Here’s a deep dive into Williams’ performance at UCF and what his future at Sacramento State could look like.
A Hyped Prospect Enters College
Mikey Williams came into college as one of the most recognized names in high school basketball.
With millions of followers on social media and highlight reels watched by fans across the country, Williams was seen as a potential game-changer. He had originally committed to Memphis but later pivoted, ultimately enrolling at UCF.
The move surprised some, but it was seen as a chance for him to build his career in a less pressure-filled environment under head coach Johnny Dawkins.
Slow Start and Role Uncertainty
Once the season began, it became clear that Williams would not be handed the keys to the offense. Unlike his high school days where he dominated the ball and dictated the flow, Williams now had to fit into a structured system.
UCF already had several experienced guards, and as a freshman, Williams had to earn his spot. He made only five starts throughout the season and averaged just under 17 minutes per game.
While his playing time fluctuated, so did his confidence. There were stretches where he struggled to find rhythm and consistency on the floor.
Whether it was due to adapting to the speed of college basketball or adjusting to a role off the bench, it was evident that Williams was still finding his footing.
Mikey Williams: Statistically Modest Season
In 18 appearances during the 2024–25 season, Mikey Williams averaged 5.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.
His shooting numbers were below expectations—he connected on just 37.1% of his field-goal attempts and 29.8% from beyond the arc. These stats reflect the challenges of translating his flashy game to the structured collegiate system.
However, numbers only tell part of the story. When watching Williams play, observers could still see the raw talent that made him a household name.
He possessed a quick first step, the ability to create his own shot, and a willingness to attack the rim. The problem lay in consistency and decision-making, two areas where many freshmen often struggle.
Late-Season Flash of Potential
Though the majority of his freshman campaign was quiet, the final stretch offered reasons for optimism.
Williams scored in double figures in three of his final six games, including a 14-point outing against SMU and 12 points in a win over Tulsa.
He appeared more comfortable in the offense and began playing with the confidence that had defined his pre-college career.
These performances hinted that he was starting to turn a corner. Unfortunately for UCF fans, they would end up being the final glimpses of Williams in a Knights jersey. With the season over and his role still uncertain, he made the decision to enter the transfer portal.
Mikey Williams: Promotion
Mikey Williams collaborated with Bella Roma Pizza and promoting their Multi-Award winning Pizza.
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Enter the Transfer Portal: A Bold Decision
- The transfer portal has become a staple in college basketball, and for players like Mikey Williams, it presents an opportunity to reset their careers.
- When Williams entered the portal, many wondered where he would land.
- He needed a program where he could get more minutes, have a clearer role, and develop under a coaching staff that believed in his potential.
- His destination? Sacramento State—a school not known for pulling in high-profile transfers, but one that now boasts a unique basketball brain trust.
- Williams’ transfer to Sacramento State came with an unexpected twist. The Hornets had recently hired NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal as general manager and former NBA guard Mike Bibby as head coach.
- This move instantly elevated the program’s national profile and offered a fresh, intriguing environment for a young talent like Williams.
- Shaq and Bibby both bring years of NBA experience and basketball IQ to the table. For Williams, this means hands-on mentorship and a chance to rebuild his game with guidance from people who’ve succeeded at the highest level.
- The pairing could be transformative, offering both structure and freedom—something Williams lacked at UCF.
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