Jaylen Williams celebrates his former Santa Clara University
Jalen Williams had a dream year. First-time All-Star, All-Defensive Second Team and All-NBA Third Team, then NBA Champion with Thunder before signing contract worth 287 million for five yearsthe winger completed this whirlwind with an emotional return to Santa Clara, where his number 24 was retired.
“I’ll be honest: I don’t know if I’ve even thought about it.”, he smiled about that jersey in the heights of the Leavey Center. “When I got here, I was just happy to be an NCAA Division I player. My mindset was, ‘How can I get better every day?’ and let things fall into place. I had NBA ambitions, but I never told myself that I would end up among the banners. »
He became the eighth Santa Clara player to have his number retired Steve Nash etc Kurt Rambishe especially enjoys the connection with his university.
Profit from success
“(They were) one of the few colleges that recruited me. There’s a real loyalty. Without them, I might not have the same fire to keep playing. It’s a special place.”he insists.
Even since his explosion in Oklahoma City, Jaylen Williams has returned to campus regularly, sometimes with the Larry O’Brien Trophy under his arm. “Every time I go back, it’s really special. The university has already changed since I was there. I try to put these moments in perspective, that’s what I appreciate the most.”
After he played the playoffs despite the painful jointthe Thunder player knows he has to learn to breathe. “When you get out of college, everything goes a lot faster. It’s hard to sit back and really enjoy your successes. I try to be more in the moment and be happy no matter what happens. A lot of people never had the opportunity I had tonight. I’ll be able to look back later and see that it was even more special than how I feel now.” concludes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s lieutenant.
2025-12-04 16:05:00
