Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jalen Williams

How Jalen Williams built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jalen Devonn Williams, known as J-Dub, is a professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. He played college basketball at Santa Clara for three seasons before being drafted by the Thunder in the first round of the 2022 NBA draft. Williams earned his first NBA All-Star Game selection in 2025, marking a significant achievement in his young career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 5, 2019: Santa Clara Debut

On November 5, 2019, Jalen Williams debuted for Santa Clara, recording 13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals against UC Santa Cruz.

November 30, 2021: Career-High 30 Points Against Hawaii

On November 30, 2021, Jalen Williams registered a career-high 30 points with four rebounds and four assists against Hawaii.

2021: First Career Double-Double

In 2021, during the opening round of the WCC tournament, Jalen Williams recorded his first career double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds against Pepperdine.

January 27, 2022: Game-Winning Shot Against BYU

On January 27, 2022, Jalen Williams hit a game-winning shot against BYU, finishing with 26 points.

March 15, 2022: Final Collegiate Game

On March 15, 2022, in the 2022 NIT, Jalen Williams played his final collegiate game, finishing with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 assists against Washington State.

March 31, 2022: Declared for 2022 NBA Draft

On March 31, 2022, Jalen Williams declared for the 2022 NBA draft while maintaining his collegiate eligibility.

October 19, 2022: NBA Debut and Injury

On October 19, 2022, Jalen Williams made his NBA debut with 5 points in 6 minutes before suffering a right orbital bone fracture.

November 30, 2022: 27 Points Against Spurs

On November 30, 2022, Jalen Williams scored 27 points against the San Antonio Spurs, helping the Thunder rally from a 20-point deficit.

2022: NBA Draft

In 2022, Jalen Williams declared for the NBA draft and was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.

2022: Drafted by Oklahoma City Thunder

In 2022, Jalen Williams was drafted 12th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA draft.

January 31, 2023: Rising Stars Challenge Selection

On January 31, 2023, Jalen Williams was named to the 2023 Rising Stars Challenge after averaging 12.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 steals in 46 games.

December 27, 2023: Career-High 36 Points

On December 27, 2023, Jalen Williams scored a career-high 36 points in a 129–120 win over the New York Knicks.

2023: Selected to USA Basketball Men's Select Team

In 2023, Jalen Williams was selected to the 2023 USA Basketball Men's Select team alongside Thunder teammate Chet Holmgren, in preparation for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.