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 an American professional basketball player currently with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. He played college basketball at Santa Clara University 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 selection in 2025.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1955: Second-Highest Drafted Bronco

In 1955, Ken Sears was drafted in the NBA and became the highest-drafted Bronco prospect. Jalen Williams became the second highest drafted Bronco in 2022.

1996: Last Santa Clara Player drafted before Williams

In 1996, Steve Nash was the last Santa Clara player to be drafted to the NBA before Jalen Williams in 2022.

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 a career-high 10 rebounds against Pepperdine in a 78–70 loss.

January 27, 2022: Game-Winning Shot Against BYU

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

March 15, 2022: Final Collegiate Game in the NIT

On March 15, 2022, Jalen Williams played his final collegiate game in the 2022 NIT, finishing with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 assists in a 63–50 loss 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: Rallies Thunder Against Spurs

On November 30, 2022, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined, Jalen Williams scored 27 points and helped the Thunder rally from a 20-point second-half deficit against the San Antonio Spurs.

2022: Drafted by Oklahoma City Thunder

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

2022: NBA Draft Selection

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

January 31, 2023: Named to Rising Stars Challenge

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.