One of the most talked-about prospects out of high school in recent years is Mikey Williams, who a couple of years ago, was ranked as the No. 1 overall player in the 2023 NCAA Basketball recruiting class. The highlights and Youtube videos made about him where everywhere.
His stock slid a bit but by the time he committed to Memphis a year ago, Williams was still a five-star prospect expected to have a big impact. However, an offseason arrest back in California for gun charges kept him away from the team before the start of the 2023-24 season.
Although the charges were eventually handled, the University never officially cleared the freshman guard to join the team. And while it was expected that he could be part of the 2024-25 roster, it looks as if Williams will be looking for a fresh start somewhere else.
Memphis has released the following statement on Mikey Williams.
— Parth Upadhyaya (@pupadhyaya_) January 8, 2024
“The University process for him to join the men’s basketball program was underway, but Williams elected to explore his options at this time.” pic.twitter.com/2dAzFXlmRC
It's a rare double-departure for Memphis, as freshman forward JJ Taylor (currently suspended) also has left the team. From the Tigers standpoint, neither of these players were expected to contribute for the next couple of months and if anything, they now have clarity how to construct its roster in the next offseason coming up.
As for Williams, it's another saga for a player with plenty of talent that also has been in many headlines. He's a free agent now and while there's baggage, look for teams to still have interest in him in the next couple of months.
Here's an early look at eight programs that could be a fit for Mikey Williams.