In 2023, the Phoenix Suns fired Monty Williams despite the head coach leading them to their first Finals appearance since the Charles Barkley days in 2021. The Suns were siply unable to get over the hump, and suffered two early postseason exits after making the Finals in 2021.
Williams went on to coach the Detroit Pistons in 2023-24 to an NBA record 28 losses in a row before being fired just one season into a massive six-season contract. After that, he returned to San Antonio, where he spent his playing days, to take over at TMI Episcopal High School.
His son, Elijah, was a wing at TMI and recently announced where he will play college basketball.
Monty Williams
May 5, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams against the Denver Nuggets during game three of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center.
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The younger Williams is a 6-foot-5 high-level athlete who thrives off the ball and on the defensive side. He truly looks like he was raised by an NBA coach.
Williams is the 45th-ranked prospect and is a four-star recruit according to 247sports.
He had offers from high-level programs like Arizona, California, Missouri, and Notre Dame, but decided to stay close to home. On Tuesday, he committed to the Baylor Bears.
The Bears have made five straight NCAA Tournament appearances and have missed the Dance only five times since 2008, winning a national title in 2021. Baylor has quickly become a hotbed for NBA talent, with 11 former players all currently playing in the Association.
Williams will head to Baylor in 2026 after one more high school season under his father.
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