A few months ago, at the I.C. Change Basketball Showcase, Stephen Ansari once again showed up to volunteer—this time bringing his family along with him. Among them was Gilbert Williams, the father of NBA player Grant Williams of the Charlotte Hornets. Gilbert joined former NBA point guard Smush Parker, who served as a keynote speaker, at the Northeast Ohio free basketball showcase.
During the event, we had meaningful conversations and moments of reflection about life—about how giving back is far more important than receiving. Those conversations came full circle on December 21st, a cold winter day in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Charlotte Hornets were in town to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, December 22nd, and Grant Williams—son of Gilbert Williams—was in the city as part of the Hornets’ 2025–26 roster. A former first-round draft pick by the Boston Celtics and now a seven-year NBA veteran, Grant has always understood the importance of purpose, faith, and family.
A former Tennessee Volunteer, Grant graduated in just three years after making a promise to his mother. Anyone who knows Grant Williams knows he is a man of faith who leads with God and puts family first—he understands the assignment.
For two powerful hours on a Sunday afternoon, Grant Williams poured into the lives of residents at the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center (CCJDC). Despite currently recovering from an ACL injury and working toward a hopeful return in early 2026, Grant chose to invest his time where it mattered most.
He spoke honestly with the young men about life—how mistakes and setbacks are inevitable because none of us are perfect. What matters, he explained, is how we learn from those moments and choose to change our mindset, because that choice shapes our future. He emphasized that while money is necessary, material things are not what define success. Saving, building, and planning for the future matter just as much.
The residents were locked in—listening to stories about the toughest players Grant has had to guard, what draft night felt like, and what it truly takes to reach and sustain success at the highest level.
As the visit came to an end, a few residents were in the CCJDC gym shooting around. Grant stopped in, took a few shots with them, answered more questions, and—most importantly—left a lasting impact. One resident said in disbelief, “We really just met an NBA player. We just shot hoops with Grant Williams.”
Moments like that are exactly why we always say—it’s #BiggerThanSports.
Story by:
Ian Cunningham @iancle1 on X, @icchangeshowcase on IG
Grant Williams on X @Grant2Will
Grant Williams on IG @Grantwill2
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