SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Mikey Williams, once a high school basketball sensation whose highlight reels lit up the internet, is taking his talents to Sacramento State. The 20-year-old guard, who transferred from the University of Central Florida, committed to the Hornets on April 29, 2025, marking a new chapter for both the player and a program stacking its deck with big names.
Williams, a San Diego native, burst onto the scene as a prep star, dazzling crowds with slick handles and deep-range jumpers. His senior year at San Ysidro High School saw him average 29.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, numbers that had recruiters salivating. But off-court troubles, including a 2023 arrest tied to a shooting incident, slowed his rise. After pleading guilty to a reduced charge and completing community service, Williams joined UCF, where he played sparingly—logging just 12 games and 3.8 points per outing in the 2024-25 season. Now, he’s betting on Sacramento State to hit reset.
The Hornets aren’t just any landing spot. On April 22, the program named NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal as general manager, a move that raised eyebrows across college hoops. Days later, former NBA point guard Mike Bibby, a Sacramento native with a 14-year pro career, was tapped as head coach. The duo’s arrival signaled ambition, and Williams’ commitment is the first major score. O’Neal, who once called Williams “a problem” on the court, now gets to shape the young guard’s path. Bibby, known for his clutch play with the Sacramento Kings, brings a hometown edge to the bench.
Sacramento State’s basketball program, long a footnote in the Big Sky Conference, is suddenly a storyline. The Hornets went 10-24 last season, but the new brass is moving fast. Williams, with his 3.5 million Instagram followers and a game built for highlight packages, gives them a spark. He’s eligible to play immediately, having entered the transfer portal after UCF’s season ended in March.
The move brings Williams closer to home—Sacramento is a three-hour drive from San Diego. He’ll join a roster that returns leading scorer Zee Hamoda, who averaged 12.1 points last year, and adds depth with transfers like guard Austin Patterson from Wabash Valley College. Practices start in June, with the season tipping off in November.
Williams’ journey isn’t a straight line. From YouTube mixtapes to legal battles to a quiet stint in Orlando, he’s faced scrutiny most players dodge. Sacramento State, under Shaq and Bibby, is his shot to rewrite the script. The Hornets’ first game is November 4 against Cal State Maritime. Williams will be in the lineup, chasing the buzz that once made him a household name.