Jalen Williams is certainly riding a wave of success in 2025. Not only has his team captured the coveted title, but his major contributions—such as a stunning 40-point game in Game 5—played a crucial role in securing a 3-2 series lead. However, his journey has not always been easy. As a 5’10” teenager in high school, many would have doubted his chances of making it to the NBA.
But after experiencing a significant growth spurt and excelling in college, he has transformed from an aspiring player to an NBA sensation with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Today, we’ll explore Jalen Williams’ college career at Santa Clara, rather than his growth spurts.
Which College Did Jalen Williams Attend?
In 2017, Hofstra University extended a scholarship offer to Jalen Williams following his performance in the “Rumble in the Bronx” summer tournament. Soon after, institutions like Nevada’s Santa Clara and UC Santa Barbara also offered him scholarships, but Jalen decided to proceed cautiously.
His commitment to Santa Clara came after he was recognized as a three-star prospect in November 2018, ranking 242nd in his class. The lack of offers from larger schools is still a mystery to his high school coach, Sam Duane.
“For whatever reason, he flew under the radar. A lot of people missed him. But he knew he was good. He always played with a chip on his shoulder, wanting to show his worth,” Duane remarked. With hindsight in 2025, it’s clear Williams has accomplished his goal.
Jalen Williams’ NCAA Stats
Initially, Williams didn’t excel as a scorer at Santa Clara, averaging only 7.7 points per game as a freshman while establishing himself as a fierce defender. However, his performance dramatically improved in his sophomore year, reflecting growth in nearly every statistical category.
By his final season, he had established himself as a leading player, validating his coach’s confidence in him and opting to declare for the NBA Draft after his junior year, foregoing his final college season.
Jalen Williams’ College Career
From the moment he arrived on campus, Williams made an impact with his defensive skills, quickly earning a place on Santa Clara’s all-time steals list. He secured a starting position early on, drawing praise for his competitive spirit and relentless work ethic.
In his sophomore year, Williams emerged as a key player for the Broncos, earning Second Team All-WCC honors and demonstrating consistency in high-pressure situations. His junior season marked a high point, where he secured First Team All-WCC status, was named a finalist for the Lou Henson Award for top mid-major talent, and surpassed 1,000 points in his career, ultimately declaring for the NBA Draft.
Fast forward to 2025, Jalen Williams has exceeded all expectations set for him upon leaving Santa Clara. His outstanding performances for the Oklahoma City Thunder have led to comparisons with legendary players, making him a true hero to the fans in Oklahoma City.
