Memphis recruit Mikey Williams pleads not guilty in shooting case

Mikey Williams, the elite basketball prospect with millions of followers on social media, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges related to a shooting at his home during a Thursday hearing in San Diego.

Williams, who is set to play for Penny Hardaway and Memphis next season, was arrested last week on charges of assault with deadly weapon in connection with a March 27 shooting outside his home. According to police, Williams fired a gun at a car full of people who had just left his residence. A search of Williams' home preceded the arrest.

«Five people got into a car and as they were driving away, shots were fired,» according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department incident report. «The car was hit, but no one was hurt.»

Williams' attorney, Troy P. Owens, said the incident unfolded following an «altercation» at Williams' home near San Diego.

Williams, ranked 34th in ESPN's 2023 recruiting class, had millions of followers on TikTok and Instagram before he deleted his accounts after his arrest. Last week, Memphis released a statement that said the school was «gathering more information.»

Hardaway told the Commercial Appeal earlier this week that he «didn't have enough information» to comment on the case of Williams, a 6-foot-2 prospect.

Owens told the San Diego Union-Tribune that Williams appeared at his hearing on Thursday virtually due to security concerns. He is accused of violating California penal code Chapter 9, Section 245(a)(2), which involves «any person who commits an assault upon the person of another with a firearm.» Each count can carry up to four years in prison.

Williams' arrest continues a spate of gun-related problems that have rocked college basketball this year. In February, New Mexico State canceled