Memphis basketball recruit and likely NBA prospect Mikey Williams, 19, avoids jail time by pleading down in shooting case after facing 30 years: ‘I’m excited to get back to the court’
- Williams pleaded guilty to a single charge of making criminal threats
- It is unclear whether he will be able to immediately rejoin the Memphis Tigers
- READ MORE: Mikey Williams appears in San Diego court on shooting charges
Top college basketball recruit Mikey Williams appears to have avoided jail time by pleading guilty to a single charge of making criminal threats in connection with a shooting outside his San Diego-area home last March. He faced a possible 30-year prison sentence if convicted of all six gun-related charges.
The 19-year-old Memphis Tigers guard was arrested in April on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon following the March 27 altercation. No one was injured in the incident, although a car was hit by bullets as it drove away from Williams’ home.
Now, if he completes the anger and gun safety courses by August 24, the criminal threatening charge will be reduced to a misdemeanor.
“It’s all over,” Williams said after court in a video posted by Overtime Elite, a basketball league for 16- to 20-year-olds. “I feel good, brother. All glory to God. I’m just glad I got out of this situation. I’m just excited to get back to the court.”
It’s unclear if or when Williams will become available to Tigers coach Anfernee Hardaway, the former Orlando Magic star who now coaches at his alma mater, Memphis. A team spokesperson did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com’s request for further comment.
Mikey Williams looks on in the courtroom on Friday, October 27, 2023 in El Cajon, California
Williams was enrolled in online classes but had yet to practice with the basketball team because he was asked to stay away from the program.
The March 27 shooting occurred at the $1.2 million home Williams purchased in unincorporated Jamul in eastern San Diego County.
An argument just before midnight ended when gunshots were fired at a car leaving the home with five passengers inside, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said in a news release. Bullets hit the car, but no one in the car was injured, authorities said.
The shooting was reported to authorities the next day. Officers executed a search warrant at the home and arrested Williams on April 13. He was arraigned April 20 and appeared via video conference after his attorney, Troy P. Owens, cited security concerns. Owens entered pleas of not guilty on Williams’ behalf.
Mikey Williams drives to the basket during the Pangos All-American Camp on June 6, 2022
Williams was one of the early stars of the name, image and likeness era, inking a multi-year deal with footwear and athletic apparel manufacturer Puma in 2021 for an undisclosed sum. He had millions of followers on his social media platforms before apparently deactivating them.
On3.com once estimated his NIL valuation at $3.6 million, but Williams’ name no longer appears in the rankings after several brands pulled out due to his legal troubles.
Williams played his senior year at San Ysidro High School in San Diego and signed with Memphis in November.