Sacramento, CA — In a move that’s both symbolic and strategic, Mikey Williams — one of the most recognizable names in amateur basketball over the past five years — is transferring to Sacramento State University, marking a new chapter in his college basketball journey. After a season at the University of Central Florida (UCF), Williams now joins a Hornets program undergoing a major transformation.
When asked directly why he chose Sacramento State, Williams gave a succinct but meaningful response via text:
“Staff, culture, opportunity.”
Those three words are already beginning to define a new vision for Sacramento State basketball, especially in the wake of a stunning off-the-court development: NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal was recently appointed General Manager of the Hornets’ basketball program. The move sent shockwaves through the collegiate basketball world, signaling that Sacramento State is no longer content with being an afterthought in the Big Sky Conference — they’re thinking bigger.
Williams becomes the first major transfer addition under Shaq’s watch. And while the move may have surprised some, it reflects a calculated choice by a player who’s long straddled the intersection of basketball and branding.
A High-Profile Journey
Mikey Williams’ rise began early. With millions of social media followers and highlight reels that went viral while he was still in middle school, Williams quickly became a household name in grassroots hoops circles. At one point, he was considered one of the top prospects in the nation, fielding offers from blue blood programs before even finishing high school.
But the journey hasn’t been without turbulence. Legal issues stemming from a 2023 arrest delayed his college debut. Though charges were later reduced and he enrolled at UCF, Williams saw limited playing time and was largely out of the public eye during his freshman season.
Appearing on the Scoop B Radio Podcast earlier this year, Williams shared that he was thankful for his opportunity at UCF. “Being here [at UCF], it’s challenging,” he shared.
“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.”
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,” he said. “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,” he said.
“Eventually, it’s going to be something new.”
While Williams chose Sacramento, sources say that several programs monitored his development and were prepared to explore transfer possibilities if he became available.
According to sources close to the situation, Rutgers University and Seton Hall University were both among the schools Williams considered before ultimately choosing Sacramento State. Each offered intriguing benefits — Rutgers with its rising Big Ten stature and East Coast exposure, and Seton Hall with its strong basketball pedigree in the Big East — but Sacramento State offered something else: the chance to reframe his entire story.
Why Sacramento State?
On paper, it might look like an unconventional move. Sacramento State isn’t a Power Five school, nor does it boast decades of tournament history. But that’s exactly what makes the decision compelling.
Shaquille O’Neal’s appointment as GM was not a ceremonial gesture — it was a blueprint. Sources around the program say O’Neal plans to use his platform, relationships, and basketball acumen to elevate the university into a national conversation. That starts with talent acquisition — and Mikey Williams is a flagship signing.
Williams, who’s always carried a level of celebrity uncommon in college athletics, now has a unique opportunity: to lead a program on the rise, redefine his legacy, and play a key role in what could become a historic turnaround. At Sac State, he’s not just another transfer — he’s a centerpiece.
Reset, Rebuild, Reemerge
The stakes are high, but so is the upside. Sacramento State is expected to give Williams the freedom and structure he needs to showcase his full skill set, while also allowing him to grow in a program where he’s more than just a name on a roster. The Hornets have already revamped their support infrastructure and are exploring NIL opportunities, branding initiatives, and mentorship programming tailored to high-profile athletes.
For Mikey Williams, this is more than a transfer — it’s a restart.
And for Sacramento State, it’s a declaration.
Up Next: With roster construction ongoing and offseason workouts on the horizon, all eyes will be on how Williams integrates into the new-look Hornets. Expect more transfer portal additions, continued NIL interest, and a potential documentary or media rollout highlighting the transformation in California’s capital.
The Mikey Williams saga continues — this time, in Sacramento.
