Puma signed 17-year-old prep phenom Mikey Williams to an endorsement deal, making him the first American high school basketball player to sign a sneaker deal with a global footwear company.
Williams is a guard playing for Vertical Academy in Charlotte, NC. He is a top prospect in his 2023 high school class. He will be eligible for the 2024 NBA draft.
“Mikey joining our Puma family is exciting news for our brand,” said Adam Petrick, global director of brand and marketing. “His talent on the court and his ability to connect with young athletes and fans alike will help drive hoops culture forward and inspire the next generation of athletes. He has a bright future ahead of him, and we are proud to be a part of his journey.”
“I am excited to join the Puma family this early in my basketball journey,” Williams said. “Puma understands how to mix hoops and culture, two things I am passionate about.”
Williams is the youngest athlete to sign with Puma Hoops. He is ranked as the 11th best prospect in his high school class by ESPN and has 10 scholarship offers from college programs. He has 3.3 million Instagram followers. This summer, following legislation, he signed with Excel Sports management, making him the first prep player to join a major sports rep agency.
Photo courtesy Puma
