Meet the NBA Star Making Waves in South Korea—Alan Williams Talks Respect, Defense, and Winning

Alan Williams of the Goyang Sono basketball team attributes his respectful attitude to his upbringing from his parents.

His father, Cody Sr., served as a justice of the peace in Maricopa County, Arizona, emphasizing law and order in their household. At the same time, his mother, Jeri Williams, was the first African-American female police chief in Phoenix, responsible for the local community’s safety.

Williams learned the importance of manners and respect growing up in this environment. He emphasized, “My parents taught me to treat others with respect and courtesy,” stressing the value of respecting others, even in different cultural settings.

As a professional athlete, Williams places great importance on discipline. He noted that basketball is a team sport in which players, coaching staff, and fans all play crucial roles. “It’s about knowing my role,” he added, highlighting the importance of recognizing one’s place and responsibilities within the team. Williams shared that his love for basketball led him to pursue a career as an athlete. Though he never expected to become a professional player, he decided to give it his all when the opportunity arose.

Standing 203 cm (6 ft 8 in) tall, Williams is an experienced center with a rich history in the NBA. He was named to the First Team in the 2016 NBA Summer League and played in a total of 67 games with the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets, averaging 6.2 points and 5.5 rebounds.

Recently, he dominated the Australian NBL, averaging 16.7 points and 10.9 rebounds over 15 games, leading the league in rebounding. Williams revealed that these achievements were among the reasons he came to the Korean Basketball League (KBL), driven by a desire for new challenges and curiosity about the Korean league.

Currently, Williams is focused on defense for his team and is determined to meet his coach’s expectations. “The coach emphasizes defense, which is the most important aspect,” Williams said, expressing his commitment to protecting the paint.

He also wants to instill confidence in his teammates, saying, “I want to take charge of the paint so my teammates can play confidently.”

Williams is known to have a close relationship with NBA star Devin Booker, thanks to his professional career that began in Phoenix. Williams highlighted Booker as one of the players he admires, underscoring his connection to the NBA.

When Williams recently arrived at Taipei Songshan Airport, local fans warmly welcomed him, showcasing the recognition he still enjoys as a former NBA player. However, he prioritizes team victories over personal records, briefly stating his values with a single word: winning.