Kenrich Williams is the first player from Waco, Texas, to play in the NBA Finals game. He plays shooting guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
He lived in Texas with his mother, Cheryl Williams, who supported his athletic career from a young age.
Highlights
- Kenrich Williams was born to Cheryl Williams, who raised him as a single parent in Waco, Texas.
- Cheryl was a constant presence in his basketball journey, attending his games and encouraging him despite their struggles.
- She worked tirelessly to provide for the athlete, and her belief in him never wavered, even when he faced challenges.
Kenrich began playing basketball at University High School and earned the District 8-4A Defensive Player of the Year award as a senior.
Initially, he joined New Mexico Junior College, but Texas Christian University recruited him.
After his game in the NIT championship game versus Georgia Tech, he was named NIT Most Valuable Player.
As a senior, he was selected to the USBWA All-District VII and NABC All-District 8 Second Team. TCU retired his jersey number 34 in 2024.
Kenrich went undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft and signed with the Denver Nuggets for NBA Summer League play. Later, the New Orleans Pelicans signed him, and he debuted in the NBA on October 17, 2018.
During his rookie season, he was assigned to the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League but was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 4, 2020.
Kenrich Williams’ Mother Is The Supportive Pillar Behind His Success
The son of Cheryl Williams, Kenrich Lo Williams was born December 2, 1994, in Waco, Texas. He is close to his mother but has hardly spoken about his father.
Cheryl never gave up on him and often visited the court to cheer and support him.
Kenrich was just a kid from Waco, Texas, fighting for recognition. His journey wasn’t paved with hype or handed to him. It was earned through sweat, sacrifice, and the unwavering support of his mother.
Although he hasn’t discussed his father, his mother worked tirelessly to provide for him, instilling the discipline and work ethic that would later define his basketball career.
Cheryl never let him doubt his potential, even when the odds seemed stacked against him.
She remains one of Kenrich’s loudest supporters, and her presence is a reminder of where he came from.
Furthermore, Kenrich’s nickname “Kenny Hustle” isn’t just about basketball. It talks about his survival, proving himself when no one was watching.
Cheryl’s sacrifices built the foundation for his success. She never stopped believing in him.
Kenrich Williams Loves Giving Back To The Community
Kenrich Williams knows what it means to struggle. He learned the value of perseverance, humility, and the importance of community support during his formative years.
So when he met the Rainge family during a Thunder community event in Oklahoma City, the connection went beyond charity.
The first @HomelandStores holiday shopping spree in the books!
— holmgren's chet (@chettarholmgren) November 23, 2022
With an assist from Kenrich Williams, the Rainge family was able to navigate the aisles as they filled their cart with groceries 🛒 pic.twitter.com/8rvWPI58wG
Kenrich understands the Rainge family’s situation and recalls what it was like to be a child of a single parent.
He saw himself in those kids. The way he engaged with them spoke louder than any press release ever could.
When he joined the family for a shopping spree at Homeland, he embraced it fully, a genuine opportunity to give the family relief during Thanksgiving week.
Homeland store has supported underprivileged children and families for the past 15 years. Their partnership with the Thunder began in 2008 when the team relocated to Oklahoma City.
Growing up, I didn’t have a lot. I struggled as a kid. My mom, she always found a way. If I had something like this it would have made it that much better. Being able to be hands on, it’s a great feeling. It’s much better than going out and scoring points.
Kenrich Williams
Kenrich didn’t just hand out gifts but shared moments. It wasn’t just a gesture for him but a personal care.
He feels that being able to give back is a fantastic feeling.
Additional Information
- Kenrich Williams stands 1.98m tall and weighs about 95kg.
- He re-signed a four-year, $27.2 million contract extension with the Thunder on July 20, 2022.
- He underwent an arthroscopic debridement procedure on his right knee on September 18, 2024.
- He married Deserae Williams and has two children.
