Jalen Williams

Williams chose Santa Clara over multiple offers rather than waiting for a high-major opportunity, betting on himself in a smaller program — a decision that paid off with three straight conference Player of the Year awards.

He wears #8 as a tribute to Kobe Bryant, one of his primary basketball inspirations growing up in Southern California.

His stop-and-pop mid-range pull-up draws comparisons to Kobe and Durant for its combination of footwork and finishing touch.

Williams was the 12th pick of the 2022 draft but has statistically outperformed every player selected above him.