Mikey Williams’ journey has been anything but ordinary. The once highly touted high school phenom, known for his electrifying game and massive social media following, has had to navigate his way through ups, downs, and everything in between. Now at UCF, Williams is locked in, focused, and determined to prove his doubters wrong.
Moving On from Memphis: Respect for Penny, A New Start at UCF
Williams had every intention of suiting up for Penny Hardaway and Memphis. But after legal challenges derailed that plan, he had to pivot—and fast.
“It definitely hurt me a lot that I couldn’t go just because I just wanted to play for Penny,” Williams admitted. “Penny’s great. That’s so much game I can just soak up. I just had a million questions. I appreciate him for standing by me because 99% of other coaches and other schools, it wouldn’t have happened.”
Ultimately, circumstances forced Williams to move on. UCF became the next chapter, but it wasn’t an easy transition.
“Being here [at UCF], it’s challenging. Like you would think it would be easy. It’s tough. I’m just blessed that I’m on the court. I’m blessed that I’m able to hoop. I know it will get better and it’s all a process.”
The Fuel Behind the Fire: Motivation from Scrutiny and Public Perception
If there’s one thing Williams has learned through the highs and lows, it’s resilience. The noise? He hears it. The critics? He sees them. But instead of letting it consume him, he’s using it as motivation.
“My mindset changed a lot over the years. I’m always hungry, but I’ve learned to be calm and stand on my ten toes in any situation. I try not to get too high or too low.”
Williams knows the spotlight is always on him, but he’s controlling his own narrative.
“I wake up tomorrow and I’m going to get better and repeat it every day. Eventually, it’s going to be something new.”
Angel Reese, Body Language, and Growth
Williams recently appeared on Angel Reese’s podcast, and as always, social media had something to say about his body language. But for Williams, it’s just who he is.
“Angel’s cool. Angel’s cool for sure. A lot of people do say my body language is very laid back. I might be locked in, but my body language might look like I’m not. Like my boy JJ will tell me: ‘It’s your body language.’ And I’ll be like: ‘What do you mean? I’m locked in.’”
That’s just Mikey being Mikey.
When it comes to Angel Reese’s impact on women’s basketball, Williams keeps it real:
“She brings a lot of attention. I think that creates a lot more space for other women in the game. It brings traction and empowers women to get their business going.”
Learning from the Best: NBA Mentors and the Reality of the Business
Williams has rubbed shoulders with NBA greats, but after his legal battles, he saw how quickly relationships could shift.
“Carmelo Anthony, we tapped in a few times. I know he’s supported me… but after my case started, I don’t talk to a lot of people in the NBA no more. It’s like, I’m over here, they’re over there. I’m worried about my own race, they’re running theirs.”
It’s been a reality check. But Williams has figured out that at the end of the day, he has to rely on himself.
Relationship with Drake and the OVO Experience
Williams has also had ties to the music world, notably with Drake.
“The first time I met him was in 2020 during quarantine. He just told me to pull up. I chopped it up with him for like 20 minutes.”
He even did an OVO shoot while still in high school.
“It was before we were able to start getting paid. So, I did it for free.”
LaMelo Ball, Bronny James, and AAU Days
When it comes to hoopers who move differently, Williams sees LaMelo Ball as one of them.
“He’s one of those guys who’s just himself. You haven’t really seen anything like him.”
And playing with Bronny James in AAU? That was a whole different experience.
“It was a lot like college. Having that environment in middle school? It’s a little different. It was kind of like when I was just gaining who I was; people were just starting to notice me.”
Would he rather play with or against Bronny?
“I say playing with him was better. I’m a competitor, so I definitely like going at him. That’s how it started. But I felt like it stamped him when I played with him. More people were like, ‘Oh alright!’”
The Road Ahead
Mikey Williams has been through it all—hype, adversity, setbacks, and now, redemption. His journey is still unfolding, and while the doubters have had their say, Williams is focused on what’s next.
“It’s ground zero, but I gotta work all the way back up. My talent, my hard work got me here. Not anything else.”
The next chapter is his to write. And best believe, he’s putting the pen to paper.
