Mikey Williams, the No. 2 prospect in the class of 2023, is reportedly close to signing a shoe endorsement contract with PUMA, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Williams signed with Excel Sports Management in July to pursue name, image and likeness endorsement and sponsorship opportunities, becoming the first high school player to sign with an agency. He is expected to net millions of dollars in NIL opportunities.
The 17-year-old will join a brand attempting to strengthen its place within the basketball market. PUMA has signed the likes of Kyle Kuzma, LaMelo Ball, Marcus Smart, Michael Porter Jr. and several others in recent years in an attempt to compete with other brands.
Williams boasts 3.2 million followers on Instagram, making him a prime candidate to enter into sponsorship agreements with prospective companies and brands. He has emerged as one of the prominent figures in prep basketball and now appears to be cashing in.
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Williams last summer narrowed his college choices to 10 programs, including five historically Black colleges or universities. However, he has since re-opened his recruitment, though his father said he is still leaning toward an HBCU.
He could also opt to go the professional route, either to the NBA G League or Overtime Elite. But with the ability to now profit off of his NIL, it could enable Williams to follow through with his wish and attend an HBCU in two years.
Williams will be eligible for the NBA draft in 2024.
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