Is Cody Williams related to Jalen Williams? Exploring the Williams family legacy of hoops excellence

Buffaloes fans are buzzing about freshman phenom Cody Williams. The talented forward is creating quite the stir as one of the most gifted players to ever set foot on Colorado's campus.

With his smooth moves and scoring ability, it's no wonder the hype surrounding 19-year-old Williams just keeps building. In fact, he's already projected to be a top three NBA draft pick in 2024. With the forward's talents causing a frenzied buzz, many have wondered if he is related to Oklahoma City Thunder's Jalen Williams.

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Is Cody Williams related to Jalen Williams?

Colorado Buffaloes' Cody Williams

Yes, Cody Williams is the younger brother of NBA sophomore Jalen Williams. The brothers are really close, and it's fair to say that the younger brother is following in the footsteps of his elder brother in basketball.

Jalen honed his skills out of the spotlight before Santa Clara helped polish the late-blooming prospect into a surprise first-round selection last summer. A Rookie of the Year runner-up finish and a subsequent Team USA Select invite increased his notoriety. But Jalen likely won’t be the only Williams in the league soon enough.

While his elder brother flew under recruiters’ radars, excitement surrounds Cody Williams. The springy 6’8” forward is already projected among the top prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft after showcasing a polished inside-outside game.

Smooth handles and shooting range complement the 19-year-old’s frame and explosiveness. Yet high basketball IQ and defensive versatility make the Buffaloes standout greater than the sum of his parts.

Playing as a freshman for the Colorado Buffaloes, Cody has been putting on a show, averaging 14.3 points on 58.1% shooting. His early success is further indication that he may follow his brother's trajectory to NBA stardom.

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Athleticism courses through the bloodlines of both Williams boys

Basketball talent runs deep in the Williams family. Brothers Jalen and Cody inherited their gifts from parents Ron and Nicole, who fatefully met on the hardwood at the Air Force Academy years ago. At 6'6", Ron blessed his sons with the ideal basketball physiology.

Jalen left Perry High School around 6'3", before sprouting another couple inches in college. Yet his swift development into an NBA wing has surprised many. Meanwhile, Cody has witnessed a dramatic growth spurt of his own. The Perry sophomore was roughly 6 feet tall, but now towers as a 6'8" blue-chip forward.

With parents who played at a high level themselves, Jalen and Cody seemed destined to chase hoop dreams. And this close-knit family's journey is only just beginning.