Gilbert, AZ, February 11, 2026
The Perry High School community celebrated a historic milestone as Jalen Williams, a notable alumnus and current NBA player, had his number 11 jersey retired. This significant event marks Williams as the first athlete in the school’s history to receive this honor, reflecting his dedication and excellence on the court. The ceremony included various attendees, such as teammates from the Oklahoma City Thunder and local supporters, emphasizing the importance of community in fostering athletic achievement and inspiring future generations of athletes.
Gilbert, AZ –
Williams’ #11 Jersey Raised to the Rafters at Perry High
A memorable evening unfolded at Perry High School as former Puma standout Jalen Williams, now a rising star for the Oklahoma City Thunder, had his number 11 jersey officially retired. This historic event marked Williams as the first athlete in Perry High School’s history to receive such an honor, a testament to his dedication and the program’s growing legacy.
The ceremony brought together the Perry High School community and notable guests, including Williams’ Oklahoma City Thunder teammates, coaches, and staff. Their presence underscored the profound impact of Williams’ journey from the local courts of Gilbert to the grand stage of the NBA, inspiring countless young athletes across the Phoenix metropolitan area to pursue their aspirations with unwavering commitment and discipline. The celebration highlighted not only individual athletic achievement but also the collective spirit that high school sports cultivate within a community, fostering pride, connection, and a shared vision for success. This kind of local engagement creates unique opportunities for school pride and fan involvement, strengthening the identity of the community through its athletic programs.
A Puma’s Ascent: High School Dominance
Jalen Williams honed his skills on the hardwood floors of Perry High School, where he showcased exceptional talent and a relentless work ethic. Initially a 6-foot tall point guard, Williams experienced a significant growth spurt, adding five inches from his sophomore to senior year. By his senior season, he averaged more than 25 points per game, earning him the Chandler Unified School District Player of the Year as a junior and the 2017–18 Region Offensive Player of the Year award. His impressive high school career made him the 9th-ranked prep player in Arizona by 247Sports. Williams’ high school coach, Sam Duane Jr., recognized his intelligence and competitive spirit, noting his high basketball IQ. These formative years at Perry laid the groundwork for his future success, demonstrating how consistent effort and personal responsibility can transform potential into performance.
Collegiate Career: Building a Foundation
Williams’ journey continued at Santa Clara University, where he played three seasons for the Broncos, steadily growing into a prominent player. As a freshman, he played in all 33 games, starting the final 23 and leading the team in steals. His sophomore season saw him increase his scoring average to 11.5 points per game. In his final collegiate year (2021-22), Williams truly emerged as a leader, finishing second in the West Coast Conference (WCC) with 18.0 points per game while shooting 51.3% from the field. He was named a First Team All-WCC selection and a finalist for the Lou Henson Award, given to the nation’s top mid-major player. Williams concluded his college career having reached 1,000 career points, averaging 12.6 points on 46.9% shooting. These achievements highlight the discipline and growth fostered by collegiate athletics, preparing athletes for even higher levels of competition.
NBA Dreams Realized: A Thunder Star
After a standout collegiate career, Jalen Williams declared for the 2022 NBA Draft and was selected 12th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. His transition to the professional ranks was swift and impactful, as he made his NBA debut on October 19, 2022. Williams quickly garnered recognition, being named NBA Rookie of the Month for October/November and later for March and April of his rookie season. He was selected for the 2023 Rising Stars Challenge and finished second in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. By the 2024-2025 season, Williams had achieved significant milestones, including his first NBA All-Star selection, All-NBA honors, and an NBA championship with the Thunder. His impressive wingspan, offensive processing, and feel for the game were noted as elite traits during his draft profile. Williams’ rapid rise exemplifies the rewards of relentless dedication and the pursuit of excellence at every stage of an athlete’s development, providing market-driven opportunities through his professional success.
Community Impact and Inspiration
The retirement of Jalen Williams’ jersey at Perry High School serves as a powerful source of inspiration for current and future Phoenix AZ high school basketball players. His journey from a local high school gym to an NBA champion illustrates that with hard work, discipline, and a commitment to personal growth, extraordinary achievements are possible. The event also highlighted the vital role of local communities in nurturing athletic talent, with high school sports programs often benefiting from community support and local sponsorships. These partnerships help provide essential equipment, apparel, and resources, strengthening the bond between schools and businesses and enhancing fan engagement. The presence of Williams’ professional teammates at the ceremony further amplified the message to young athletes about the camaraderie and teamwork that extend beyond the high school courts, reinforcing the values of sportsmanship and collective effort that are fundamental to Arizona prep sports.
The Legacy Continues
Jalen Williams’ story is a beacon of hope and a practical example of how athletic pathways can create opportunities. It underscores the importance of strong high school athletic programs, dedicated coaches, and a supportive community. Perry High School, a basketball heavyweight in recent years, continues to produce top-tier talent, securing multiple state championships, including three consecutive Open State Championships (2022, 2023, 2024). The school’s consistent success and the recognition of alumni like Williams foster immense school pride and galvanize local fan engagement. This legacy encourages young athletes to embrace the challenges of competition, to learn from setbacks, and to always strive for their personal best, reinforcing the belief that with personal responsibility and a strong work ethic, any goal is attainable.
Support Phoenix’s Rising Stars!
The inspiring story of Jalen Williams reminds us of the profound impact high school sports have on our youth and community. We encourage all HEREPhoenix.com readers to attend local games, support our incredible Phoenix basketball programs, and cheer on the next generation of Arizona prep sports legends. Your presence makes a difference, fostering an environment where young athletes can thrive and build the character that will serve them long after their playing days are over. Stay tuned to HEREPhoenix.com for more stories celebrating the triumphs and journeys of our local athletes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Jalen Williams?
A: Jalen Williams is an American professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Q: What is Jalen Williams known for at Perry High School?
A: Jalen Williams is known for being the first athlete in Perry High School’s history to have his jersey retired, number 11.
Q: What number jersey did Jalen Williams have retired?
A: Jalen Williams had his number 11 jersey retired at Perry High School.
Q: Which NBA team does Jalen Williams play for?
A: Jalen Williams plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Q: When was Jalen Williams drafted into the NBA?
A: Jalen Williams was drafted 12th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Q: What are some of Jalen Williams’ NBA achievements?
A: Jalen Williams was named NBA Rookie of the Month multiple times, selected for the 2023 Rising Stars Challenge, finished second in NBA Rookie of the Year voting, earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team, achieved his first NBA All-Star selection, All-NBA honors, and won an NBA championship with the Thunder by the 2024-2025 season.
Q: How did Jalen Williams perform in his senior year of high school?
A: As a senior, Williams averaged more than 25 points per game and was named the Chandler Unified School District Player of the Year as a junior, and the 2017–18 Region Offensive Player of the Year.
Q: What were Jalen Williams’ key statistics in his final college season?
A: In his final collegiate year (2021-22) at Santa Clara University, Williams finished second in the West Coast Conference (WCC) with 18.0 points per game while shooting 51.3% from the field.
Q: What role do local sponsorships play in high school athletics?
A: Local sponsorships help provide essential equipment, apparel, and resources, strengthening the bond between schools and businesses and enhancing fan engagement.
Key Features of Jalen Williams’ Jersey Retirement
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Honored Athlete | Jalen Williams |
| High School | Perry High School (Gilbert, AZ) |
| Jersey Number Retired | #11 |
| Significance | First athlete in Perry High School’s history to have jersey retired |
| Attendees | Oklahoma City Thunder teammates, coaches, and staff; Perry High School community |
| NBA Team | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| NBA Draft | 12th overall pick, 2022 NBA Draft |
| Major NBA Achievements | NBA Rookie of the Month, NBA All-Rookie First Team, NBA All-Star, All-NBA honors, NBA Champion (2024-2025 season) |
| High School Achievements | Averaged over 25 PPG (senior year), Chandler Unified School District Player of the Year (junior), 2017–18 Region Offensive Player of the Year |
| College Achievements | First Team All-WCC, Lou Henson Award finalist, 1,000 career points, averaged 18.0 PPG (final season) |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
