Tremendous 24: All-Ivy League Cornell Guard Nazir Williams

Much like his former high school teammate, Ansley Almonor, this young man is a true testament to resilience. Both Rockland County natives achieved remarkable feats, including playing college basketball at the highest level and scoring 1,000 career points.

Next in the Tremendous 24 series is Nyack’s hometown hero: Nazir Williams, a current senior for the Cornell Big Red and an All-Ivy League selection.

Early Life and Inspiration

I first interviewed Williams in the spring of 2022 at SUNY New Paltz. I’ve known him since 2013-14, when we attended Nyack Middle School. Born in Nyack Plaza, New York, Williams grew up in a close-knit family that always supported his basketball dreams. 

“It helped mold me tremendously, honestly… Just being around the people I was around—my mom, my uncle, my dad, everybody also who was outside.  Just putting a basketball into my hands, encouraging me, always made sure I stayed on the right path… I always said I was going to the NBA, and they used to always have my back and pushed me towards it.”

Williams played multiple sports growing up, but he knew basketball was his true passion when he chose basketball practice over football practice for the state championship.

Multi-Sport Athlete

Williams wasn’t limited to basketball; he played other sports. Whether it was football or baseball, his favorite sport was whatever was “in season” when he was growing up. He then shared a memorable moment when he realized his love for the game of basketball.

“One fall winter, end of fall, beginning of winter. We were preparing for a state championship game for football, but I had basketball practice, too, and I just loved basketball so much. I skipped that football practice and went to basketball practice… That’s the day I knew this is for me, man.”

Football helped Williams develop toughness. He recalls participating in workouts called “Oklahomas.” This is where he was isolated and tasked with guarding a single player. This experience strengthened his skills on the basketball court. As a child, he looked up to Carmelo Anthony because he could score from anywhere on the floor.

Williams cites his greatest inspiration as his mother, Ms. Gulifield,whose sacrifices and unwavering support paved the way for his success. Her dedication contributed greatly to making him the player and person he has become.

Middle School, St. Joseph’s High School

Williams joined Almonor at St. Joe’s, playing on both freshman and JV teams, limited to five total quarters as a freshman.
His freshman team was eliminated from the tournament after he arrived late to warmups—a minor setback in his decorated career.

After a 2–8 start, the Green Knights finished 16–11 in Williams’s sophomore season (2017–18), a year in which he blossomed. In his varsity debut, he scored over 300 points, establishing himself as a go-to scorer and emerging team leader.

“Honestly, that’s been a goal for me since I was five, six years old… The McCourty twins. They lived in the plaza, in the same building as my grandmother.  So just knowing their story, how they came up, went to St. Joe’s, the NFL. I was like ok, this is the way to go.”

Growing as a Leader

Williams joined Almonor at St. Joe’s, playing on the freshman and JV teams, limited to five total quarters as a freshman.
His freshman team was eliminated from the tournament after he arrived late to warmups—a minor setback in his decorated career.

After a 2–8 start, the Green Knights finished 16–11 in Williams’s sophomore season (2017–18), a year he truly blossomed.
He scored more than 300 points in his varsity debut, establishing himself as a reliable scorer and growing leader.

“That year really helped me become a leader. The leader I am today. I wasn’t really a good leader back then. I was kind of selfish.  I feel like everyone at a young age is a little selfish, always looking for yours… I wanted everyone else to eat too.”

“That fueled the fire… That’s never happening again.”

Ascension to Stardom

He spent that summer relentlessly in the weight room and sharpening his game at 24 Hour Fitness, preparing for his senior season with what he called a “personal vendetta.” The work paid off. Williams and the Green Knights enjoyed their best season yet, opening 10–0 and finishing 23–5 overall. Williams scored 370 points, surpassing the historic 1,000-point career milestone.

His legendary performance in the Bergen County Jamboree Final left a lasting impression. He scored a game-high 26 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and had two steals, helping his team defeat Bergen Catholic and claim the county title.

“It was just sweet, man. I was crying that day, but I didn’t even know I was crying because the tears just came out by themselves. It was just natural. It was meant to happen… We went through all that trial and error. All that turmoil, all that heartbreak, all that defeat for the one moment… We were literally on top of the world.”

After an incredible high school career, Williams earned numerous accolades:

• 3x All-League Selection
• All-County First Team (2020)
• First Team All-North Jersey (2020)
• North Jersey Player of the Year (2020)
• Bergen County Champion (2020)
• 1,000 Career Points

South Kent to All-Ivy League Standout

After high school, Williams faced a pivotal choice: attend a postgraduate program or move directly into Division I basketball. With only one offer—from the Air Force—he chose South Kent Prep School for the 2020–21 season under coach Rafael Chillious.

The decision proved transformative. South Kent went 20–2, and Williams strengthened both his body and basketball IQ, discovering a new dimension as a gifted passer.

These experiences, combined with his time at St. Joe’s and on the EYBL circuit, prepared Williams for the Ivy League. As a freshman at Cornell, he helped the Big Red to a 15–11 record and earned Ivy League Rookie of the Week honors.

Continuous Improvement

By April 2022, Williams’s role and production had steadily increased, reflecting his growing importance to the Cornell team.
In his sophomore season, Cornell went 17–11, with Williams averaging 12.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and a steal per game.

He shot efficiently, posting 48% from the field, 41% from three, and 79% from the line, leading Cornell in Ivy League scoring.

Despite Cornell’s 80–60 semifinal loss to Yale, Williams earned All-Ivy League Honorable Mention, solidifying his reputation as a reliable conference guard.

Williams’s life changed in the summer of 2023 when his mother, his best friend and biggest supporter, passed away.
He honors her legacy by running the annual Nani Gee Toy Drive, providing Christmas gifts to Nyack children for over a decade.

A true Nyack hero.

Senior Season Triumphs and Career Milestones

In his junior season (2023–24), Williams’ scoring dipped to 11.4 points per game. Cornell surged to 22–8 overall.
He averaged 14.3 points in Ivy League games and earned All-Ivy League Second Team honors, cementing his conference status.

Cornell again fell to Yale, 67–59, in the Ivy League semifinals. They reached the NIT but lost 88–83 to Ohio State, with Williams scoring 14 points on 50% shooting.

During his senior season (2024–25), Williams posted career highs in points (14.7), rebounds (4.5), and assists (3.6).
He earned All-Ivy League Second Team honors for the second straight year.

Cornell finished 18–11 overall and 9–5 in conference play but lost 90–84 to Yale, falling short of the conference crown and March Madness berth.

Despite the setback, Williams completed a stellar collegiate career, becoming Cornell’s 28th player to surpass 1,000 career points and earning NABC All-District Second Team recognition.

Williams drives to the basket against Yale.

Legacy and Personal Philosophy

Williams eats, sleeps, and breathes basketball. He studies the game constantly, even when off the court. His favorite pre-game artists are Jay Z, Drake, and Polo G, who help him lock in. His top five NBA players are Jordan, LeBron, Kareem, Magic, and Kobe.

Despite facing major obstacles, Williams remains focused on his legacy.

“Hopefully, people will always say that I was always me. You know what I mean?… I’m always so genuine. I’m just myself. I try to look out for everybody because you know what goes around comes around. I hope nobody can say that [short pause] “S**t, I did right for my family. I did right for my people. You feel me?”

That mindset drives him toward greatness in basketball and life. Supremely talented with a relentless work ethic, Williams evolved into an exceptional leader, becoming a true hero in his community.

It’s why he embodies Greatness Within.