Mikey Williams to transfer, Memphis basketball career could be over
Mikey Williams' Memphis basketball career might be over before it started.
The 6-foot-3 freshman guard, who spent much of the past year embroiled in an ongoing legal battle after his April 2023 arrest on felony gun charges, will enter the transfer portal, his father, Mahlon told The Commercial Appeal Monday. Sources with direct knowledge of the situation also confirmed that Tiger freshman JJ Taylor has entered the transfer portal.
The news is the latest twist in Williams' story. The high-profile social media superstar and former four-star recruit never played for the Tigers, despite signing with Penny Hardaway's program in November 2022. He enrolled in online classes and has been listed on the team's official roster since before the season began but never practiced with the team or participated in team activities.
Memphis athletics released a statement Monday afternoon, addressing the situation.
“We can confirm Mikey Williams has chosen to enter the transfer portal," it reads. "The University process for him to join the men’s basketball program was underway, but Williams elected to explore his options at this time.”
Why was Mikey Williams arrested?
Williams was arrested following a shooting outside his San Diego-area mansion last year. The 19-year-old, who finished his prep career at San Ysidro (Calif.) in March 2023, faced nine felony charges, ranging from assault with a weapon, firing into an occupied vehicle and making threats that could result in bodily harm or death.
Upon his arrest, San Diego County authorities said an argument inside Williams' home escalated when gunshots were fired toward a car as it drove away with six people inside. The car was hit, but no one was injured.
Williams pled guilty to the initial charges. But in November, he agreed to a plea deal, pleading guilty to only one felony count of making criminal threats. As part of the deal, the charge is to be reduced to a misdemeanor upon sentencing on Aug. 12 if Williams completes and adheres to a host of conditions.
Hardaway has continued to stand by Williams throughout the ordeal, repeatedly voicing support as the legal process has unfolded.
Soon after Williams' plea deal was finalized, the University of Memphis began sorting through the scope of the latest development. It's unclear whether that process has concluded.
In December, attorney Randy Grossman, a member of Williams' legal team, told The Commercial Appeal that Hardaway's support "meant the world to" Williams. Williams' manager and uncle, Pat McCain, echoed those sentiments to The Commercial Appeal, adding: “Can you imagine when this kid hits that floor? It’s just gonna electrify the city of Memphis and the world. He’s so ready.”
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Taylor − Williams' close friend, former teammate and former roommate − also is no longer with the Tigers. The freshman forward spent part of this season in Memphis, playing in three games for a total of six minutes.
Taylor was suspended for the Vanderbilt game on Dec. 23 for violating unspecified team rules and has not returned to the team.
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or follow him @munzly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Mikey Williams to transfer, Memphis basketball career could be over
