Jaylin Williams, an American professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, is the first player of Vietnamese descent to play in the NBA.
He has a sister, Synora Phillips, and three brothers, Mikey, Marquis, and Montell Williams.
Highlights
- Jaylin Williams’ parents and siblings were gathered to share the overwhelming joy when the Thunder selected him in the 2022 NBA draft.
- His siblings have been strong supporters of his athletic career throughout his journey.
- Despite sharing the same surname and team, Jaylin isn’t related to Jalen.
Jaylin Michael Williams helped his Northside High School team reach the Class 7A state final, and the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette has named him Arkansas Division I Player of the Year.
Likewise, he led his team to the Class 6A state title and was named tournament MVP. He also earned Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year honors as a senior.
A 4-star recruit committed to playing college basketball for Arkansas, where he received first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) honors from the league’s coaches.
Jaylin declared for the 2022 NBA draft, and the Oklahoma City Thunder drafted him in the second round with the 34th overall pick.
He joined the Thunder’s 2022 NBA Summer League team and signed with the Thunder on July 19, 2022.
Jaylin Williams’ Siblings Encouraged His NBA Journey
Jaylin Michael Williams, the son of Michael and Linda Williams, was born on June 29, 2002, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. His parents raised him with his three brothers and a sister.
Linda was born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and relocated to the United States after the Vietnam War.
Officially A Razorback!🐗📝 @RazorbackMBB pic.twitter.com/VZbHeNs8bq
— Jaylin Williams (@Jay_MWilliams_) April 16, 2020
Jaylin’s foundation lies firmly within a tight-knit and supportive family, and his siblings are an integral part of his journey from Arkansas roots to NBA dreams.
His brothers, Mikey, Marquis, and Montell Williams, haven’t publicly disclosed their personal lives and careers. Meanwhile, his sister, Synora, has been a strong supporter of his athletic career.
The collective bond among the Williams siblings is undeniable. Their consistent family presence was deeply connected and invested in each other’s successes.
Furthermore, their bond was clear on the night Jaylin achieved his lifelong dream.
When the Thunder selected him in the 2022 NBA Draft, his family gathered together, sharing in the overwhelming joy of the moment.
The Williams household is filled with the energy of four boys and their sister. Their parents have instilled the values of hard work, resilience, and the importance of family loyalty.
I want to thank my family for the constant belief and support they’ve given me since I fist picked up a basketball. There were times when they believed in me more than i believed in myself and I will cherish those moments forever.
Jaylin Williams
Jaylin Williams Isn’t Related To Jalen Williams
The Oklahoma City Thunder sparked a unique kind of confusion in the 2022 NBA Draft. They selected Jalen Williams with the 12th overall pick and Jaylin Williams with the 34th overall pick.
Jaylin and Jalen proudly bear the common last name Williams. However, they don’t have a familiar lineage.
OKC's draft picks Jaylin Williams and Jalen Williams had to reenact this meme 😂
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 26, 2022
(via @okcthunder, h/t @jessichords) pic.twitter.com/DRnNhqVu1C
Jalen Williams, the son of Ronald and Nicole Williams, was born on April 14, 2001, in Denver, Colorado. However, his parents moved to Gilbert, Arizona, when he was only 7.
Ronald and Nicole were members of the United States Air Force. He grew up with his younger brother, Cody Williams, a consensus five-star recruit who plays for the Utah Jazz.
Although sharing the same last name can often lead to assumptions of family ties in the NBA, Jaylin Williams and Jalen Williams have different family backgrounds.
Their initials are confusing. Thus, Jaylin is nicknamed J-Will, and Jalen is nicknamed J-Dub.
J-Will and J-Dub are two talented young NBA players navigating the league with similar-sounding names.
Additional Information
- Jaylin Williams is a power forward player standing 1.06m tall and weighing around 109kg.
- He suffered a right hamstring strain, which left him out of the remainder of the preseason in October 2024.
- He is the only player to record multiple triple-doubles in Thunder franchise history.
- He is in a relationship with Alanna Harris, and Alanna’s grandmother became a die-hard fan of Jayling.
