Held across 25 & 26 June 2025, the former Myerscough College, Mansfield Giants, Nottinghamshire Nova and Hucknall Juniors product heard his name called as the 46th pick, heading to the league's most successful franchise, 18-time NBA title winners Boston Celtics, following a trade of draft rights with Orlando Magic.
Williams was a DiSE athlete between 2018 and 2020 and made stops at various points in the Basketball England talent pathway, including Regional Development Tournaments (now Aspire All Stars), Great Britain and England youth teams, plus the England Development Programme (EDP).
He also played in the NBL for Myerscough before his move to America and an NCAA D1 scholarship with Drexel in 2020.
"I am beyond proud of Amari. Hearing his name get called is a moment that so many people have worked towards, I know that everyone who has played a part will be feeling incredible, I am so thankful that I had a small part to play, there was never a doubt.
"If anyone ever wants an illustration of 'trusting the process' look no further, Amari has been patient, managed setbacks, built resilience, and has done this organically, all whilst keeping his feet firmly on the floor - he is humble beyond measure and is a complete role model."
"Amari is a true product of British Basketball. He's an illustration of what can be achieved when a pathway functions correctly, I sincerely hope that this can be a point of inspiration."
"I'm delighted for Amari to have realised a dream for so many players with this latest development in his blossoming career.
"As a great advert for the Talent Pathway, Amari has taken all the steps necessary for a young player and has benefitted from doing so.
"His move to the very top of the game is a testament to his dedication, hard work and talent, and we're all behind him as he looks to cement a place on Boston's roster!"
"It's not every day you wake up the news that one of your old players has made the NBA!
"I'm incredible proud of this moment and to have been part of this journey with Amari. I'm even prouder of the man he's grown up to be, and I wish him all the best with the next stage of his career."
Williams, who predominantly plays as a centre, is originally from Nottingham and spent the 2024/25 season with prestigious NCAA programme Kentucky Wildcats
During his final season with the Wildcats, Williams averaged 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, shooting 56.1 percent from the field. He started all 36 games, leading the team in both rebounds and field goal percentage, and tied for a team-high in assists.
Williams is also only the second player in SEC history to record at least 375 points, 300 rebounds, 100 assists, 40 blocks, and 20 steals in a single season.
Prior to his stint with Kentucky, Williams was a standout at Drexel, where he named as a three-time Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time First-Team All-CAA pick.
Across 141 games that spanned a five-year collegiate career, Williams totalled 1,472 points and 1,038 rebounds along with 286 assists, 230 blocks and 106 steals. He started 81.6 percent of games, including every game—98 straight starts—over his final three seasons.
Before moving to the States, Williams also participated at the NBA's Basketball Without Borders event, representing England, whilst also featuring at the Hoopsfix All Star Classic The Deng Camp.
Williams now becomes the 143rd draft selection in Kentucky's history, following in the footsteps of former number one picks John Wall, Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns.
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Main image credit - Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
