Defying the Odds As An Athlete [2023 Update]
Jaylin Williams is a rising star in the NBA, known for his impressive skills on the court and his groundbreaking status as the first player of Vietnamese descent to be drafted into the league.
Drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft, Williams has quickly made a name for himself with his hard work and dedication to the sport.
Known for his incredible talent on the court, Williams has captured the attention of basketball fans worldwide with his impressive skills and signature style.
But there’s more to this young athlete than just his basketball prowess – with a compelling backstory, a unique personality, and a bold sense of style, Williams is quickly becoming one of the most exciting and dynamic players today.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the life and career of this promising young athlete.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Jaylin Williams |
| Nick Name | Jay Will |
| Date of Birth | June 29, 2002 |
| Birth Place | Fort Smith, Arkansas |
| Age | 21 Years Old |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in/2.06 m/206 cm |
| Weight | 240 lb/109 kg |
| High School | Northside |
| College | University of Arkansas (2020-2022) |
| NBA Team | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Position | Power Forward / Center |
| NBA Debut | 2022 |
| Jersey No. | 6 |
| NBA Draft | 2022 / Round: 2 / Pick: 34th Overall |
| Chinese Zodiac | Horse |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter |
| Net Worth | $5 Million |
| Last Update | November 2023 |
Early Life & Family
Jaylin Williams’ family has been an essential part of his life and success, and they are known for being closely connected. His parents, Michael and Linda Williams, supported his basketball career and always encouraged him to pursue his dreams.
Williams has four siblings, three brothers (Mikey, Marquis, and Montell) and one sister (Synora Phillips). They all share his passion for basketball and are athletes themselves.
His sister Synora is married and has two children. She lives in Oklahoma City and often attends his games.
Likewise, his brothers also played basketball in high school and college. Mikey played for Oral Roberts University, Marquis played for Arkansas–Fort Smith, and Montell played for Arkansas Tech University.
Mixed Descent
William’s father, Michael, is African American, and his mother, Linda, is of Vietnamese descent, giving Williams a unique background and perspective on life.
The player is proud of his heritage and wants to visit Vietnam and learn the language someday.
He also enjoys Vietnamese food, especially pho, a soup dish. He has received much support from the Vietnamese community in Oklahoma City and worldwide.
Jaylin is the first player of Vietnamese descent to be drafted and play in the NBA.
Education
Williams attended Northside High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he was a standout basketball player and earned Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year honors in his senior year.
He then attended Arkansas University and played college basketball for the Arkansas Razorbacks for two seasons.
There, Jaylin was a first-team All-SEC selection by the coaches and a second-team All-SEC selection by the AP in his sophomore year.
The player declared for the NBA Draft after his sophomore season.
NBA Career
Williams started his NBA career in 2022 when he was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round with the 34th overall pick.
He joined the Thunder’s Summer League team and made his NBA debut on October 23, 2021, against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The player has played 16 games this season, starting six, averaging 3.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.
Similarly, Jaylin also spent some time playing for the OKC Blue in the NBA G League. He had a triple-double of 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists in a game against the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
Career Highlights and Awards
- 2022 First-team All-SEC – Coaches
- 2022 Second-team All-SEC – AP
- 2022 SEC All-Defensive Team
Age & Body Measurements
Jaylin was born in the year 2002. Hence, he is currently 21 years old. His zodiac sign is Cancer, and he was born in the year of the Horse, according to the Chinese zodiac.
Moreover, Williams is 2.06 m tall in shoes, weighs 240 pounds (109 kg), and has a 7 feet 1-inch wingspan.
He also has a standing reach of 9 feet 0.5 inches, a body fat percentage of 8%, and a hand length of 8.5 inches.
Similarly, Jaylin Williams’ long and luscious hair has become his trademark, and while he may have added some extensions, he confidently rocks his looks with style.
His bold and creative choice of hair sets him apart and adds personality and flair to his overall style.
Girlfriend
As per the information on the internet, Jaylin Williams is currently single and not in a relationship. He is fully committed to his basketball career and focuses more on achieving his goals than being involved in a romantic relationship.
Jaylin Williams does have an Instagram (@jaylinwilliams), where he has amassed a sizable following.
However, even on social media, Williams focuses on his professional career rather than his personal life. Most of his posts feature highlights from his games, behind-the-scenes glimpses into his training regimen, or motivational messages for his fans.
It is not uncommon for young athletes to prioritize their careers over relationships, as they often require significant time and energy.
Net Worth & Contract
The NBA player has a net worth of approximately $5 million as of November 2023. The player signed a four-year $8.21 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder on July 19, 2022.
The specifics of his contract have not been disclosed, but as a second-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Williams’ average salary is estimated to be around $1.5 million per year.
While Williams has not yet secured any major endorsement deals to add to his net worth, his status as the first NBA player of Vietnamese descent could make him an attractive target for brands in the future.
As Williams continues to make a name for himself in the NBA, it will be interesting to see if he lands any endorsement deals and how they might impact his overall net worth.
Interesting Facts
- Jaylin Williams developed an interest in basketball during his childhood, playing the sport with his older brother and cousins. Moreover, he also looked up to NBA legends like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Dirk Nowitzki.
- In November 2021, Williams lost his beloved grandmother, Cora, who had always been his number-one fan. She had a deep affection for her grandchild and was known for her unwavering support of Williams both on and off the court.
- Jaylin Williams had an impressive transformation from 18% to 13% body fat without losing weight by the end of his freshman season. He credits this change with improving his speed, agility, endurance, and overall game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Does Jaylin Williams have a girlfriend?
According to sources available on the internet, Jaylin Williams is currently single and focused on his career.
What is Jaylin Williams' position?
Jaylin Williams is a power forward/center.
Are Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams related?
No, Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams are not related. They share the same last name but have different backgrounds and families. To avoid confusion, their Thunder teammates call Jalen “J-Dub” and Jaylin “Jay Will”.
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