Former Perry standout Jalen Williams taken by Oklahoma City Thunder with 12th pick in NBA Draft

From lightly regarded out of high school to the NBA Draft, Jalen Williams celebrated after being selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder as the 12th overall pick on Thursday night.

Williams, 6-foot-6, 209 pounds, who starred at Gilbert Perry High School before taking off in college at Santa Clara, was in Brooklyn's Barclays Center where his name was called.

He is the first player from Santa Clara chosen in the NBA Draft since Steve Nash went to the Phoenix Suns as the 15th overall pick in 1996.

"Love him," Perry coach Sam Duane Jr., said. "To see him reach his dreams, I can't express how happy I am for him."

Duane calls Williams a great fit with the Thunder.

"They are young and he can play and have a chance to develop and have a long, successful career."

Williams averaged 18 points for Santa Clara as a junior last season, before coming out for the NBA draft.

Jay Bilas, ESPN's draft analyst, raved about Williams' 7 feet, 2 inch wingspan and versatility on the broadcast after Williams was chosen.

"Very good pick-and-roll efficiency, good setting it up," Bilas said. "He can go under. He can twist it. He can snake it. An excellent cutter without the ball. A really confident player who plays at both ends of the floor."

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.

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