Matt Williams (basketball)

Matthew Williams Jr. (born October 14, 1993) is an American professional basketball player for Donar of the Dutch Basketball League (DBL). Born and raised in Orlando, Florida,[1] Williams played college basketball at the University of Central Florida (UCF).

Matt Williams
Matt Williams with the Miami Heat during the 2017 NBA Summer League
Free agent
PositionShooting guard
Personal information
Born (1993-10-14) October 14, 1993
Orlando, Florida
NationalityAmerican
Listed height6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Listed weight210 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High schoolJones (Orlando, Florida)
CollegeUCF (2012–2017)
NBA draft2017 / Undrafted
Playing career2017–present
Career history
2017Miami Heat
2017→Sioux Falls Skyforce
2018Sioux Falls Skyforce
2018–2019KTP
2019Kymis
2019–2020Donar

College career

Williams came to UCF from Jones High School in Orlando.[2] He suffered several medical setbacks as he suffered a burst appendix as a freshman, then played through knee pain as a sophomore. Early in his junior season, Williams had tests and learned that his knee pain was due to inferior bipartite patella, a rare congenital condition requiring surgery. Williams had the surgery, missing the majority of that season.[3]

Following his redshirt junior season, Williams graduated from UCF and entertained transferring for his remaining year of collegiate eligibility. He originally chose to transfer to Wake Forest, but ultimately changed his mind and returned to UCF for his final year to play for new Knights coach Johnny Dawkins.[4][5] In his fifth year, Williams upped his scoring average from 8.1 to 15.1 points per game, helping lead the Knights to the semifinals of the 2017 National Invitation Tournament. Williams finished his UCF career as the school's leader in three-pointers for a career (274), season (126) and game (11). The season and game marks were also American Athletic Conference records.[6]

Professional career

Miami Heat/Sioux Falls Skyforce (2017–2018)

Following the close of his college career, Williams played for the Miami Heat in the 2017 NBA Summer League. At the end of the league, he signed with the Heat for the 2017–18 season.[7][8] On October 15, his contract was converted to a two-way deal, meaning he'd be able to split playing time between the Heat and their NBA G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He spent the first week of the season with the Heat before an assignment in the G-League. He was then recalled on December 20 as the Heat endured several simultaneous injuries.[9] Williams played 3 minutes, posting a rebound and 4 assists against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 23.[10] He appeared in a total of 3 games, tallying 5 points and a rebound in 11 minutes of action before he was waived on New Year's Eve in order for the team to sign Derrick Jones Jr.[11] Williams was later reacquired by the Sioux Falls Skyforce.[12]

KTP and Kymi (2018–2019)

On September 12, 2018, Williams joined KTP Basket of the Finnish Korisliiga.[13] In January 2019, Williams signed with Kymi of the Greek Basket League.[14] In 12 GBL games, Williams averaged 8.8 points and 2.7 rebounds in 26 minutes per game.[15]

Donar (2019–2020)

On July 16, 2019, Williams signed with Donar of the Dutch Basketball League.[16] The 2019–20 season was cancelled prematurely in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Williams returned to the United States.

References
  1. http://www.nba.com/heat/player-bios/matt-williams-jr
  2. Limon, Iliana (June 15, 2011). "Jones shooting guard Matt Williams commits to UCF". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  3. Green, Shannon (November 13, 2015). "UCF's Matt Williams eager to play after suffering string of injuries". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  4. Strelow, Brett (April 30, 2016). "Matt Williams to stay at UCF, not transfer to Wake". Fayetteville Observer. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  5. Green, Shannon (May 9, 2016). "Matt Williams embraces Johnny Dawkins era at UCF basketball". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  6. Green, Shannon (May 17, 2017). "Former UCF guard Matt Williams patient as he pursues NBA dream". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  7. Jackson, Barry (July 24, 2017). "Heat signs skilled three-point shooter Williams". Miami Herald. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  8. "Heat signs Matt Williams". NBA.com. July 24, 2017. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  9. Winderman, Ira (December 20, 2017). "Matt Williams Jr. steps out of snow boots for Heat opportunity". Sun-Sentinel. Retrieved December 25, 2017.
  10. "New Orleans Pelicans 109; 94 Miami Heat". ESPN. Retrieved December 25, 2017.
  11. "HEAT Signs Derrick Jones Jr.: Miami waives Matt Williams Jr". NBA.com. December 31, 2017. Retrieved January 2, 2018.
  12. "SKYFORCE ACQUIRE MATT WILLIAMS JR". NBA.com. January 2, 2018. Retrieved January 2, 2018.
  13. Cauchi, Orazio (September 12, 2018). "KTP-Basket signs Matt Williams Jr". Sportando. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  14. "Kymi signed Matt Williams Jr". www.a1basket.gr. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  15. "Matt Williams Player Profile". Basketball.realgm.com. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  16. "Donar contracteert Matt Williams Jr". Retrieved 16 July 2019.
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