Alan Williams was born on January 28, 1993 in Phoenix, Arizona. Williams attended North High School in Arizona. Williams played Center for the Mustangs of North High. As a 6’5” sophomore he saw his first heavy action on varsity. He played in 30 games averaging 3.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, .4 blocks, .2 assists, and .1 steals. As a junior, Williams began to flourish. He played in 31 games averaging 12.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.3 blocks, 1.0 assists, and 1.5 steals. Williams reached the epitome of his High School career his senior season. He led the North High Mustangs to a Metro Region Championship and to the AIA 5A Division 1 Quarterfinals. In 27 games Williams averaged 22.1 points, 16.2 rebounds, 4.5 blocks, 1.5 assists, and 2.0 steals. Williams was such a dominate force on the court his senior year, he received the Arizona State Player of the Year Award.
Williams attended the University of California, Santa Barbara. In a standout freshman season with the Gauchos, Williams broke a freshman record with 41 blocked shots to along with 6.9 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per game. His sophomore campaign was a historic one. Williams became the first Gaucho in 23 years to average a double-double with 17.1 points per game and 10.7 rebounds per game. He was also the first Gaucho in 23 years to have 15 double-doubles in a single season. Williams capped off his historic season being named First Team All-Big West and Second Team All-District. The following year as a junior, Williams racked up the awards. He was named Big West Player of the Year, Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American, NABC First Team All-District, USBWA First Team All-Region, First Team All-Big West, and CollegeInsider.com First Team Mid-Major All-American. Williams also led all NCAA Division 1 Players in rebounding with 11.5 rebounds per game and also ranked 12th in the nation in scoring with 21.3 points per game. His senior year he was named First Team All-Big West for the 3rd straight year.
Williams finished his Gaucho career averaging 15.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.9 blocks in 27.0 minutes over 112 games with 101 being starts. Despite these impressive numbers, Williams would go un-drafted in 2015. He signed a one year deal with the Qingdao Double Star Eagles of the Chinese Basketball Association after an impressive stint with the Houston Rockets Summer League squad where he averaged 20.5 points and 11.8 rebounds. Williams appeared in 35 games for the Eagles averaging 20.8 points, 15.4 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 2.1 assists, and 1.3 steals. The Eagles would finish 16-22 missing playoffs.
Williams would sign a 10 day contract with his hometown team Phoenix Suns on March 8, 2016. On March 18, 2016, just one day after making his Phoenix Suns debut, Williams would sign a multi-year contract. In 57 games with Phoenix, Williams would average 6.6 points and 5.8 rebounds. Williams was set to become a restricted free agent after the season. On July 26, 2017, the Phoenix Suns offered Williams another multi-year contract which was accepted. Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough said, “Alan embodies what it means to be a Phoenix Sun on and off the court.”. Williams, nicknamed “Big Sauce”, was ecstatic to stay in his hometown. “It’s incredible. The opportunity to be able to stay a Phoenix Sun is something I really wanted my whole life.”, said Williams. The Phoenix Suns have a bright future ahead with a young core that includes Williams. Phoenix natives are eager to see how this young squad will turn out in the long run.
