Name, image and likeness deals have become the norm in recent months for young athletes -- so much so that endorsement deals are trickling into the high schools ranks now. Mikey Williams, a 17-year old high school basketball star, has signed a multiyear endorsement deal with Puma, according to ESPN.
In doing so, Williams, a 6-2 combo guard out of Vertical Academy in Charlotte, N.C., is the first American high school basketball player to sign a sneaker deal with a global brand.
"I am excited to join the Puma family this early in my basketball journey," Williams said. "Puma really understands how to mix hoops and culture, two things I am passionate about."
According to 247 Sports, Williams is rated the No. 14 overall prospect in the class of 2023 and the second best combo guard in the class nationally, behind only DJ Wagner. As such, the star has scholarship offers from several high-profile schools including Kansas, LSU, Pittsburgh and Tennessee.
The youngster is also a social media star, with over five million followers across Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.
Vertical Academy is a new school and it was founded by Williams' father, Mahlon Williams. It isn't affiliated with any sanctioned high school state athletic association. The school is going to play a 25-game national schedule across 19 states against prep schools in the upcoming season, according to ESPN.
Despite all of the college offers Williams already has, our experts at 247Sports currently are predicting that Williams will skip college and go straight to a pro league.
