The higher you climb, the more devastating a potential fall is. As cliché as that sounds, this rings true. In fact, they’re almost words of the gospel for successful athletes. How often do you see a superstar come crashing down in the twilight of their career? Or worse, before it even kicked into gear? Not only does this phenomenon apply in the field. It’s just as resounding off it. Deion Sanders knows a thing or two about the pitfalls that trail success. As a bit of an enigma himself, he also recognizes the importance of lending a proverbial helping hand to someone who falls into them. Even if it’s a player rising out of a hole they dug themselves into.

Imagine getting a co-sign from LeBron James and Kevin Durant while you’re still hooping in high school. Having the world at your feet but seeing it come crashing down in a jiffy. A lapse of judgment seizing opportunities it took you years to earn. Kids make mistakes. Some, like firing a gun at a car full of people, can admittedly be beyond respite. Second chances don’t always come by in such cases. However, they did for Mikey Williams. Who’s beginning to make the most of them? Deion Sanders has got his back.

The curious case of Mikey Williams. A star in the making on the hardwood and one-off since he was 14 years old. Playing alongside Bronny James in 8th grade made celebrities who came to watch Bronny leave the gym in reverence of Mikey. It wouldn’t be hyperbolic to say Mikey Williams was the next big social media star prospect after Zion Williamson. He garnered over a million IG followers in middle school. Continuing his uptrending graph as a consensus 4-star recruit out of high school, guard Mikey was destined to play under Penny Hardaway at Memphis. Unfortunately, that never transpired after he got into trouble with the law. 

Now absolved of any misdemeanors, he’s plying his trade with the UCF Knights. Trying to build back his rep on and off the floor. After a career night thrust Mikey’s basketball career back on, Deion Sanders sent across his love and motivation. Over on his IG, Deion wrote, “I’m praying & staying for u man. Always have & always will because I Believe in You!” The message was accompanied by a picture of Mikey Williams. 

It’s noteworthy that Deion’s son, Shilo Sanders, has also gone through a run-in with the law for some different yet egregious circumstances. What preceded Deion’s reassurance was the kind of game that could thrust Mikey’s stagnating career into motion.

Coming off the bench as he’s tended to do throughout his freshman year, Mikey dropped 14-3-1 in 28 minutes of action. Shooting 50% from the field, as well as from beyond the arc. Not only was this a personal best in points, but also in minutes and FG attempts (12). UCF fell 65-77 to No. 10 Iowa State. However, Mikey Williams being featured more and gaining confidence is a good sign. For the team, but more importantly for him. Hopefully, this is the start of something positive. The events of 2 years ago were certainly a hindrance in the skyward trajectory of Mikey Williams’ career. A trajectory that earned him renown with Deion Sanders and his likes.

Deion Sanders spurring on Mikey Williams follows his tryst with self-inflicted adversity

Mikey Williams became the first high school basketball player to sign a sneaker deal at 17. Puma saw the vision and bestowed him with a handsome NIL bag. On3 had Mikey’s NIL valuation at $3.3 million back when he was coming out of HS. The exact figures of the Puma partnership aren’t public like all NIL deals, but Mikey buying a 3,700 sq-foot house at 18 contextualizes it. It was this very house that became the backdrop for a line in the sand in Mikey Williams’ life. A night when he lost that Puma partnership and a lot else.

On April 13, 2023, Mikey was arrested. According to police statements, he fired shots at people following an altercation at his residence. After what began as 5 charges on his head for “assault with a deadly weapon,” Mikey eventually pled guilty to one charge after a long-drawn case. He avoided jail time, albeit the damage was done. Memphis never came about, and he joined UCF instead. At least this faith shown by UCF is now beginning to be repaid. Circumstances can make or break a career, but top-end quality almost always finds a way to shine through. 

Deion Sanders and everybody who believes in Mikey Williams’ skill will hope the application finds its way, too. Coming off the bench can be a good thing to stay away from the spotlight as you build back up. If Mikey continues putting in such performances, he could yet get his basketball career back on track. He’s got the tools, and there’s no better way to change public perception than showing up and showing out.