Former Five-Star Prospect Williams Commits to Hornets After Legal Battles

Charlotte, NC – Former five-star high school basketball prospect Shackleford Williams has officially committed to play for the Charlotte Hornets, ESPN reported on Tuesday.

Williams, who transferred from the University of Memphis, is eager to start his collegiate career with the Hornets after a tumultuous past year. The freshman guard had a tough season with the Knights, averaging 5.1 points in 14 minutes per game over 18 games.

Previously facing nine felony charges related to an incident where he allegedly fired a gun at a vehicle, Williams saw his legal situation significantly improve. In November, he pleaded guilty to one felony count of making criminal threats, resulting in a sentence of a year of summary probation in August. This plea arrangement allowed him to reduce his felony charge to a misdemeanor, paving the way for his debut.

Although Williams never played a game for Memphis due to his legal issues, he is ready to showcase his talent at Charlotte. Standing at 6-foot-3 and with over 3.3 million followers on Instagram, he gained notoriety for his exciting dunking ability and captivating YouTube mixtapes.

The commitment comes at a pivotal time, as Sacramento State is set to unveil a new basketball facility this fall. University President Luke Wood has been proactive in enhancing the school’s athletic programs, exemplified by the recruitment of Williams, NBA star Shaquille O'Neal, and former NBA player Mike Bibby.

With a fresh start at Charlotte, Williams aims to rebuild his reputation and make an impact in college basketball. “I’m excited to show everyone that I’ve matured and am ready to compete,” Williams stated.