Mikey Williams is heading west to Sacramento State, a move that combines a fresh opportunity with a deeper vision for his basketball future.
As reported by NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the former UCF guard is transferring to the Hornets following a freshman season where he averaged 5.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in just 14 minutes per game.
In a text message shared with Robinson, Williams cited “staff, culture, opportunity” as the key reasons behind his decision.
Those three words align with a larger overhaul at Sacramento State, led by newly appointed General Manager Shaquille O’Neal.
O’Neal’s arrival sent shockwaves through college basketball and signaled that the Hornets intend to compete for more than just conference respect.
Williams is the first major player to join the program since O’Neal took the reins, making him a symbolic and strategic building block.
Before arriving at UCF, Williams was one of the most followed young athletes in the country, amassing millions of followers through viral highlights dating back to middle school.
He drew early scholarship offers from national powerhouses but saw his momentum slow after a 2023 arrest delayed his college debut.
Though the legal case was eventually resolved and charges reduced, Williams’ on-court role at UCF remained limited throughout the season.
Speaking earlier this year on Scoop B Radio, Williams acknowledged the difficulty of his freshman year but expressed gratitude for the experience.
“Like you would think it would be easy. It’s tough,” Williams said. “I’m blessed that I’m able to hoop.”
Multiple programs tracked Williams’ situation as a potential transfer target, according to sources close to the matter.
Among the interested schools were Seton Hall and Rutgers, both of which offered strong basketball traditions and higher-profile exposure.
Sacramento State, however, presented something different — the opportunity to lead a reimagined program from the ground up.
O’Neal’s presence was more than ceremonial; sources told Robinson that the Hall of Famer plans to use his vast network to elevate the program’s relevance on a national scale.
Landing a name like Williams — with brand power and untapped on-court upside — reflects that ambition.
