Boston Celtics selected British basketball player Amari Williams with the 46th pick during the NBA draft. The 23-year-old center from Nottingham joins two other English-born players currently active across the league. Tosan Evbuomwan plays for Brooklyn Nets and OG Anunoby represents New York Knicks. Williams stands seven feet tall and brings defensive skills to his new team. His selection marks another milestone for British basketball development.
Williams started his college career at Myerscough College before moving to America for university basketball. He spent four seasons with Drexel University Dragons and earned recognition as CAA Defensive Player of the Year three times. His final college season came at University of Kentucky where he averaged strong numbers. Williams recorded 10.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game for the Wildcats. He also contributed 3.2 assists during his Kentucky campaign.
Chris Harris became the first British player to compete at NBA level during the 1955-56 season. Harris played for St. Louis Hawks and Rochester Royals decades ago. Jeremy Sochan represents another British connection despite being born in America and playing internationally for Poland. The San Antonio Spurs player grew up across England and competed for Southampton-based Solent Kestrels. NBA officials classify Sochan as a British player.
Boston Celtics hold the record for most NBA championships with 18 total titles. Williams provides additional depth for the front court rotation next season. The team also drafted Spanish wing Hugo Gonzalez as their first-round selection at 28th overall. Basketball continues growing rapidly throughout the United Kingdom with over 1.5 million people participating weekly. The sport ranks as the second most popular team activity across Britain.
Williams started his college career at Myerscough College before moving to America for university basketball. He spent four seasons with Drexel University Dragons and earned recognition as CAA Defensive Player of the Year three times. His final college season came at University of Kentucky where he averaged strong numbers. Williams recorded 10.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game for the Wildcats. He also contributed 3.2 assists during his Kentucky campaign.
Chris Harris became the first British player to compete at NBA level during the 1955-56 season. Harris played for St. Louis Hawks and Rochester Royals decades ago. Jeremy Sochan represents another British connection despite being born in America and playing internationally for Poland. The San Antonio Spurs player grew up across England and competed for Southampton-based Solent Kestrels. NBA officials classify Sochan as a British player.
Boston Celtics hold the record for most NBA championships with 18 total titles. Williams provides additional depth for the front court rotation next season. The team also drafted Spanish wing Hugo Gonzalez as their first-round selection at 28th overall. Basketball continues growing rapidly throughout the United Kingdom with over 1.5 million people participating weekly. The sport ranks as the second most popular team activity across Britain.
