Jalen Williams' Jersey Retired at Perry High in Historic Honor

OKC Thunder star's No. 11 jersey retired, honoring his inspiring journey from Chandler to NBA stardom.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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In Chandler, Arizona, Jalen Williams, now an NBA Champion and All-Star, returned to Perry High School where his basketball journey began as a 14-year-old hopeful. On Tuesday, Williams received a historic tribute as Perry High became the first school in its history to retire his No. 11 jersey, marking a significant milestone in his career and school legacy.

Why it matters

Jalen Williams' jersey retirement at Perry High School not only honors his remarkable journey but also serves as a powerful example for current and future students. His story inspires young athletes in Chandler and beyond to pursue their goals with determination, illustrating that early struggles can lead to outstanding achievements.

The details

The event took place before a sold-out crowd, including his family, teammates from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and members of the Thunder organization. Williams reflected on his early years balancing rigorous responsibilities at home with his basketball aspirations, emphasizing the support system behind his success. Despite his current achievements, Williams acknowledged the difficulties he faced throughout his basketball career and urged young athletes to ignore external judgments and focus on personal growth.

  • On Tuesday, Williams' jersey was retired at Perry High School.
  • Williams began his basketball journey at Perry High School as a 14-year-old hopeful.

The players

Jalen Williams

An NBA Champion and All-Star who played basketball at Perry High School in Chandler, Arizona before going on to a successful professional career with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Perry High School

A high school in Chandler, Arizona that became the first school in its history to retire the jersey of one of its former students, Jalen Williams, who went on to become an NBA star.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The NBA team that Jalen Williams currently plays for, and whose members attended the jersey retirement ceremony at Perry High School to support their teammate.

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What they’re saying

“My mom was going to school, and med school is hard and my dad was having to carry the load and work and bring me to practice. We had a lot of Little Caesars, so it's just stuff like that I remember.”

— Jalen Williams (theconwaybulletin.com)

“Run you own race, rankings don't matter and just looking at the board reminded me just how low I was ranked in high school, and how I was overlooked throughout the whole thing. As long as you enjoy what you are doing and work hard at what you are doing you can be successful.”

— Jalen Williams (theconwaybulletin.com)

The takeaway

Jalen Williams' jersey retirement at Perry High School serves as an inspiring example for young athletes, showing that early struggles and doubts can be overcome through dedication and hard work. His story reminds students to focus on their personal growth and passion for the game, rather than external perceptions, in order to achieve their goals.