Ahead of his first season with the Brooklyn Nets, Ziaire Williams returned to his hometown of Lancaster, Pennsylvania to host his third annual Antelope Valley Basketball Clinic. Joined by Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant and Eastside boys basketball head coach Ashly McCullough, Williams explained his passion for the now-annual event.
“If I had the chance to meet an NBA player when I was younger, it would have meant a lot to me,” Williams told Antelope Valley Press“Just having the chance to do what started it all means a lot. I just want to give back to my community.”
“It means a lot to see all these young faces,” he said. “You have to keep working hard and having fun.”
Williams preached the importance of dedication and respect for authority to the more than 200 children in attendance.
“I was lucky enough to have a great dad who would take me to the park and shoot shots,” Williams said. “Work on your technique. If you make mistakes, who cares. I take that approach to my game.”
Drafted No. 10 by Memphis in 2021, Williams was traded to the Nets last month with high hopes. Once a huge prospect at Stanford, the 22-year-old is looking to take the next step in his development in Brooklyn.
His fitness on the basketball court will have to wait until next season to be determined, but fans are already getting a glimpse of the 6-foot-9 forward’s amiable character.
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