Alan Williams (basketball)
A relentless rebounder who carved out a global career, becoming a fan favorite for his blue-collar hustle far from the NBA spotlight.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American basketball player·Birthday: January 28·Millennials
Biography
Alan Williams didn't take a conventional path to professional success. After a standout career at UC Santa Barbara where he dominated the paint, he bypassed the NBA draft and headed straight to China, signing with the Qingdao DoubleStar Eagles. His tenacity and knack for grabbing rebounds—a skill that earned him the fitting nickname 'Big Sauce'—eventually led to NBA opportunities with the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets. Though his NBA minutes were sporadic, Williams left an indelible mark with his sheer effort and infectious energy whenever he stepped on the court. Today, he continues to be a force overseas, most recently in Japan's B.League, proving that heart and hustle translate into a lasting career anywhere in the world.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Alan was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Alan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named an All-NBA G League First Team selection in 2017 while playing for the Northern Arizona Suns.
- Led the Chinese Basketball Association in rebounds during the 2015-16 season with Qingdao.
- Recorded a 27-point, 26-rebound double-double in a single NBA G League game in 2017.
Did You Know?
His nickname, 'Big Sauce', originated from his college days at UC Santa Barbara.
He is the son of former NBA player and coach Aaron Williams.
He once grabbed 21 rebounds in just 21 minutes of play in an NBA game for the Phoenix Suns.
“I just try to be a bully on the court, get every rebound, and do the dirty work.”
