Mikey Williams Announces He Will Transfer to UCF From Memphis

Two months after reaching a plea deal in his gun charge related to an April 2023 arrest, Mikey Williams has found a new home to play college basketball.

Williams announced on Instagram he has committed to UCF after entering the transfer portal to leave Memphis earlier this week.

The 19-year-old pleaded guilty to a felony charge of making a criminal threat and a special allegation of using a firearm during the threat stemming from a shooting at his home on March 17.

Williams was facing nine felony counts and up to 30 years in prison before his plea deal. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department said the situation began after an argument, with shots being fired at a car as it was leaving Williams' house. No one was injured.

As part of Williams' plea deal, he is required to complete 80 hours of community service and attend cognitive behavior therapy, gun safety and anger management classes. His felony charge will be reduced to a misdemeanor if he completes the terms of his plea agreement and has no new legal issues before an Aug. 12 sentencing hearing.

In a statement to Yahoo Sports' Jeff Eisenberg on Thursday, Williams' attorney, Troy P. Owens, said his client made the decision to enter the transfer portal after Memphis indicated bringing him back was "not a priority" for the basketball team.

Owens also said the university committee reviewing Williams' situation was also deciding if he would be allowed to play for the Tigers during the 2024-25 season.

"This was not something that Mr. Williams even thought was up for discussion," Owens said. "This caused him to take immediate action to protect the prospect of him playing collegiate basketball in the 2024-2025 season."

Williams was a 4-star prospect and the No. 10 combo guard in the 2023 recruiting class, per 247Sports' composite rankings. He signed a letter of intent with the University of Memphis in November 2022.