Brockton Native And Former Avon High School Basketball Star Works Out For Celtics

Every young basketball player grows up hoping to one day play under the bright lights of the NBA. Typically, these dreams are accompanied by many afternoons in the yard pretending to hit the game winning shot for the home town team. Well, for Brockton native and former Avon High School basketball star, Akeem Williams, those dreams are a step closer to reality.

Courtesy of Leon Halip/Getty Images

Williams played his college ball for UMass Lowell, which is a far cry from the big name schools that commonly produce NBA talent. He was a freshman star at Avon High School (where I played alongside him my senior year). He also played at The Winchendon School, but lack of playing time kept him off the radar of Division I college programs.

“It’s a little bit of a dream come true,” said Williams. “I was lying in bed when I got the call, and as soon as I got off the phone, I went to the gym.”

Williams dominated in his time at UMass Lowell by breaking their freshman points record. He continued on to lead the nation in scoring in his sophomore and junior seasons.

In 2013 UMass Lowell made the jump from Division II to 

Division I. Finally, Williams had his chance to play Division I college ball. The increase in competition didn’t slow the now senior guard,as he led the America East in scoring.

Although he understands making it to the NBA is still a stretch he is appreciative of the opportunity to showcase his skills.

“I thought I’d be playing Division II for four years,” he said. “Then we get an unsuspected bump to Division I, and next thing I know, I’m working out with the Celtics. I couldn’t ask for a better career.”

Whether he plays in the NBA, overseas, or doesn’t play basketball professionally at all, Mr. Akeem Williams is right at the front door of everything he’s ever dreamed of. Let’s hope he can find a way to put his boot through that door and show us what hard work and persistence can really do.