Albany State’s star centre, Jabari Williams, is taking the next big leap in his basketball journey – and it’s a long way from the familiar courts of university ball. The 6’9″ powerhouse from St. John’s, Antigua, has just signed with Club Cazadores in Tapachula, Mexico, marking his entry into professional basketball via the fast-growing Circuito de Baloncesto del Pacífico, known as CIBAPAC.
Williams made his mark quickly after transferring from Alabama State. It was just one season with the Golden Rams, but his impact was undeniable. Slotting straight into the starting centre position for the 2024–25 season, he brought both muscle and composure to Albany’s game, giving the team a much-needed boost in the paint.
He wasn’t just about presence – he put up some impressive numbers too. Against Spring Hill in December, he dropped 20 points, landing 10 of his 14 shots. Then, in late January, he pulled down 12 rebounds against Clark Atlanta, showing off his dominance on the boards. Defensively, he stepped up with three blocks in a March showdown with Lane College. And if anyone was questioning his stamina, his 38-minute performance against Morehouse in February put those doubts to rest, reported BVM Sports.
Now, Club Cazadores are hoping he can bring that same energy and grit to their squad. The team, previously known as the Raptors, has been making waves in CIBAPAC since joining in 2019. Known for their intense, physical style of play, they’re a perfect match for a player like Williams who thrives under pressure.
Albany State Head Coach Patrick Gayle spoke with pride about his former player’s new chapter. “I have to give credit to all of his former coaches, especially his national and prep coaches, for the influence they’ve had on him,” Gayle said. “We’re very proud of Jabari and the work he put in here at Albany State. I’ve known about him for some time, and I’m excited to see what he does at the next level.”
For Williams, this move isn’t just about basketball – it’s about representing his roots. Carrying the pride of both Albany State and his home country of Antigua, he’s stepping into the international spotlight with plenty of people backing him to succeed.