VFL Grant Williams receives Bill Russell mentorship award

Grant Williams is recognized for his work in Boston community.

Grant Williams did not play for the Celtics Saturday night in their 96-95 loss to the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, but he picked up an honor for his work off the court.

Williams, a swing man for Boston and former University of Tennessee basketball standout, won the Bill Russell mentorship award.

Williams, who left the Volunteers’ program after his junior season as the two-time Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, received the award for his work with teens in the Boston area as COVID-19 continues to grip the country.

After leaving Rocky Top, Williams was a first-round pick in the 2019 NBA draft, going with the No. 22 overall selection.

The award is named for NBA legend and Celtics icon Bill Russell.

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