NBA DRAFT

June 26, 2024

Cody Williams

Q. Cody, if you want to talk about your experience tonight, the emotion you had when you were picked.

CODY WILLIAMS: Definitely a little bit anxious. A little bit nervousness in there, just because I had no idea where I was going. I kind of told my agent to keep it a secret from me. I just want to be surprised.

For me, I just wanted to land somewhere that would develop me and kind of make me into the best basketball that I can be. I'm happy that I landed with Utah. Definitely excited. Felt relief when I heard my name called, so that's probably the biggest one.

Q. How do you see yourself fitting in with the Utah roster, and which players are you most excited to play alongside?

CODY WILLIAMS: I think the biggest way I fit in is just my versatility. When you come in at such a young age, and being able to play multiple positions and guard multiple positions, I really feel like that allows you to fit in with the dynamic of the team just because you can do so much and fit in with different needs. That's the biggest part.

There's a lot of talented guys on that team. I could go down the list and do their whole lineup that I can fit in with. But the biggest thing is they are young and I could develop and learn with them and kind of build that young core. That's probably the part I'm most excited about with this team.

Q. With your brother Jalen establishing himself in Oklahoma City, what do you take from his example and how do you see yourself carving your own path?

CODY WILLIAMS: Just being himself really. I feel like that's how he differentiates himself on and off the court and really made a name for himself. Being himself includes not only his personality but also his work ethic and how hard he worked to get to where he is and where he is going to continue to go to.

I feel like just taking those aspects of his game and his mentality, how he approached every workout, every rep, every charity event, every media coverage, I feel like I can use that and take that with me and use it throughout my career. That's how I'm going to grow and develop.

Q. Are you excited about the matchup against your brother when you do play? Is that something you talked about when you were kids? Is there going to be any trash talk?

CODY WILLIAMS: Most definitely. We're going to talk crazy during that tame. I'll tell you right now.

It's something we dreamed about. As kids, obviously we never really got to play against or with each other on the same team just because of the age difference. So I think being able to do that now is definitely a dream come true. I'm going to make sure I'm matched up on him when we're playing them. Make sure, tell Will, put me on (Jalen Williams). That's the game plan.

Q. Speaking of your brother, what does it mean for your family to have two guys in the NBA get drafted so close together?

CODY WILLIAMS: I think it just goes to show the type of parents I have and the type of people I have in my life and my family members, just the values they installed in both of us. That's why we ended up this way. So I know they are extremely proud watching us reach our dreams. That's the biggest thing for them.

Q. How long did it take you to come up with that handshake?

CODY WILLIAMS: We practiced it a lot, I'm not going to lie. Two years ago, we messed it up. We were practicing for a few days, maybe even a week up until this point, to make sure we nailed it. Add a little flair to it. So we made up for it.

Q. Your brother is one of the most fashionable guys in the league. Where does yours stack up with his?

CODY WILLIAMS: I've just got baby steps into the fashion industry, I'm not going to lie to you. This is the first time I stepped out and wore something expensive. I think for me it might be something a little hobby I'll pick up, but I'm just starting to get into fashion and just starting to figure it out. I'll probably learn from him as I go.

Q. Obviously you'll be going next season as a rookie, but when you see the best version of yourself, do you see yourself as being better than Jalen or somewhere on his level?

CODY WILLIAMS: I mean, it's hard to say just because we play two different styles of basketball. I don't know what your definition of better is. I hope to become an elite two-way player, playing offense and defense and doing that at the highest level and being one of those elite two-way players in the NBA, as I go throughout my career.

Yeah, I strive to be better than him. Obviously a little sibling rivalry, but we also play like completely different just with the way our bodies are built. So you know, that's the answer you're looking for.

Q. Piggyback on that last question. Your brother's passion is clearly fashion. We have not really delved into your passion. You said you're a beginner when it comes to fashion. What your passion outside of basketball?

CODY WILLIAMS: Definitely gaming. I would say gaming, for sure, is one of the biggest ones. Fashion, stepping into it a little bit.

I'm a huge movie guy. That's something I always been into. Just pick up a movie and watch it. I love cinematography, so that's definitely probably the biggest one.

I like bowling and starting to pick up golf too. Have a lot more free time, so I can start getting good at golf and getting a routine for it. But definitely bowling is another activity I'm heavy on.

Q. You have a small window of time while your time is still your time before the Utah Jazz schedule, crazy. How will you spend that time? Sounds like bowling and golf maybe?

CODY WILLIAMS: Yeah, probably. And a lot of family time. That's probably going to be a heavy dose of it, spend as much time as I can with friends and family, while also obviously staying locked in on basketball. But enjoying the moments with them before the season gets hectic and I'm going to be traveling all over the place.

Q. Any last things you want to do for sure?

CODY WILLIAMS: I mean, go to this afterparty. That's probably the biggest thing. I'm looking forward to enjoying that. Got all my closest friends and family there. I guess that's on my bucket list to enjoy.