Cody Williams Embarks on his NBA Journey After the 2024 NBA Draft
By: Dylan Tehada
The NBA Draft is one of the most exciting times in sports as young hoopers see their dreams come true. Families of draftees, organizations, and families all come together to celebrate the next generation of NBA talent as the game continues to grow and evolve. One of the young hoopers whose NBA dreams came true during the NBA draft this year was Cody Williams.
Williams, 19, has always been an elite talent. As a Senior at Perry High School he averaged 18 points per game and earned a spot on the 2023 Jersey Mike's Naismith High School Boys All-America Team. He then took his talents to the University of Colorado Boulder, becoming the first five star recruit in 20 years for the Buffaloes, where he averaged 11.9 points and 3 rebounds per game and earned an All Pac-12 Team Honorable Mention award.
After an impressive freshman year for the Buffaloes, Williams immediately became a highly desired prospect amongst NBA teams known for his defensive versatility and slashing ability. Throughout the pre-draft process Williams has been honing his offensive and defensive prowess as he prepares to make an immediate impact in the NBA. The pre-draft process is not only an opportunity for prospects to showcase their talent, but provides a great deal of learning moments about how to thrive in the league. Williams took advantage of this learning opportunity and his biggest takeaway was to focus on himself.
“My biggest takeaway from the pre draft process is to run your own race. Try your best to ignore the social media influence and mock drafts and rankings and focus on getting better everyday by controlling what you can control,” Williams said.
While the draft may be full of in depth analysis and mock drafts, the human element of these athletes getting drafted cannot be overlooked. Prospects like Williams find success in the game because of the joy they play with and the love for the game they share with the people around them. Williams recognizes how far his hard work and passion has taken him and cannot wait to celebrate that with his family and peers.
“All my hard work and dedication has paid off and is finally getting recognized. I’m given a once in a lifetime opportunity and I feel like I’m making my parents and brother proud,” Williams said.
One of the most intriguing narratives in the draft this year involves Williams as he will soon join his brother and up and coming star Jalen Williams in the league. Jalen and Cody have bonded over basketball throughout their lives and now they will get to compete and play on the world’s biggest stage.
“I feel like competing in the league with or against my brother is the best honor any pair of athletes that are siblings can have. I’ve looked up to him so it would be a blessing from god to be given the opportunity to compete,” Williams said.
We are excited to see Williams pave his NBA career this upcoming season with the Utah Jazz and know big things are in store!
