# Donovan Williams (basketball)

Donovan Kennedy Williams (born September 6, 2001) is an American professional basketball player for the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). He played college basketball for the Texas Longhorns and the UNLV Runnin' Rebels.

## Early life and high school career

Williams grew up in Houston, Texas and attended Elkins High School. He entered college as a four-star prospect and was ranked No. 61 overall in the country by Rivals. His team won back-to-back district championships and he was named the district MVP. He was also a two-time first team all-district selection and two-time all-state team member. He averaged 18.2 points per contest while leading Elkins to a 31–8 record and a trip to the Class 6A regional semifinals as a senior. He averaged 13.2 points per game while helping Elkins to a 29–12 mark and a trip to the Class 5A state quarterfinals as a junior.

## College career

Williams started his college career at the University of Texas, and appeared in 26 games, making one start, averaged 11.0 minutes played per contest, averaged 3.3 points and 1.0 rebounds per game. He tallied a career-high 13 points twice during his freshman year and was named to the 2020 Academic All-Big 12 Men's Basketball Rookie Team. He later suffered a left knee injury at Texas Tech and missed the remainder of the season. During his sophomore year, he appeared in 15 games, averaging 10.1 minutes per contest. He scored 3.3 points per game with 1.1 rebounds per game and scored a season-high 11 points vs. Oklahoma. Selected to the 2021 Academic All-Big 12 Second Team. Williams transferred to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for his junior year. On June 1, 2022, Williams declared for the 2022 NBA draft.

## Professional career
### Long Island Nets (2022–2023)

After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, on October 19, 2022, Williams signed a contract with the Long Island Nets.

### Atlanta Hawks (2023)

On January 17, 2023, Williams signed a two-way contract with the Atlanta Hawks, splitting time with their NBA G League affiliate, College Park Skyhawks.
Williams made his NBA debut on April 4, 2023, in a 123–105 win over the Chicago Bulls, recording one rebound. On June 26, he was waived.

### Santa Cruz Warriors (2023–2024)

On September 28, 2023, Williams signed with the Golden State Warriors, but was waived on October 16. On October 30, he joined the Santa Cruz Warriors.

### Scarborough Shooting Stars (2024)

On May 14, 2024, Williams signed with the Scarborough Shooting Stars of the Canadian Elite Basketball League.

### Westchester Knicks (2024–2025)

On October 28, 2024, Williams joined the Westchester Knicks.

### Shanghai Sharks (2025–present)

On February 21, 2025, Williams joined the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

## Career statistics
### NBA

| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
| 2022–23 | Atlanta | 2 | 0 | 2.1 | .400 | .000 | – | 1.0 | .0 | .0 | .0 | 2.0 |
| Career | Career | 2 | 0 | 2.1 | .400 | .000 | – | 1.0 | .0 | .0 | .0 | 2.0 |

### College

| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
| 2019–20 | Texas | 26 | 1 | 11.0 | .368 | .244 | .706 | 1.0 | .3 | .5 | .2 | 3.3 |
| 2020–21 | Texas | 15 | 0 | 10.3 | .304 | .174 | .846 | 1.1 | .3 | .3 | .2 | 3.3 |
| 2021–22 | UNLV | 27 | 13 | 22.1 | .488 | .436 | .638 | 3.3 | 1.1 | .7 | .4 | 12.7 |
| Career | Career | 68 | 14 | 15.3 | .435 | .338 | .667 | 2.0 | .6 | .5 | .3 | 7.0 |

## Personal life

Williams' sister, Kelsey, played in the WNBA.