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NASHVILLE — For Sebastian Williams-Adams, Miami may not be Houston, but it will feel like it on Friday night. The Vanderbilt basketball player is set to face Miami in an exhibition game, and the occasion is about more than just basketball—it's about the people who have shaped his journey.
When the exhibition was announced, Williams-Adams was flooded with messages from friends and family in his Houston community who planned to make the trip to Miami. The game, while just an exhibition, carries significant personal weight for the young athlete.
Williams-Adams will go up against his longtime friend Shelton Henderson, Miami's star sophomore who has NBA potential for the 2026-27 season, and another close ally in Miami head coach Jai Lucas. He has known both since his elementary school days.
When Williams-Adams entered the transfer portal in the spring, he knew his choice was between Vanderbilt and Miami. He had admired Vanderbilt since high school before committing to Auburn, and he believed Coach Mark Byington could help him expand his offensive game. However, Miami holds a special place in his heart, largely because of Lucas, even though Williams-Adams ultimately chose to play for Byington.
"Jai's known me for a super long time, as little third-grade Sebastian with goggles, running up and down the floor and can barely run without tripping over his own feet," Williams-Adams told Vandy on SI. "The fact that I'm playing against him on a college stage, it's super surreal. I didn't think the chance would come unless somehow the tournament gods would make it work. But being able to do it—I'm just super excited."
When Williams-Adams takes the floor on Friday night, he expects to have his parents, Henderson's parents, and legendary basketball developer John Lucas II in the crowd. Lucas II, Jai's father, has been invested in Williams-Adams' development since before Williams-Adams and Henderson even knew each other. Williams-Adams describes the elder Lucas as a mentor and speaks with him frequently.
Lucas II was tough on him on the court, but Williams-Adams always understood that the goal was to make him better. Since third grade, Lucas II has hosted 6:00 AM workouts with Williams-Adams and Henderson, teaching them about spacing, playing off two feet, and shooting from 3-point range. At the time, Lucas II was still an NBA coach, and he told Basket Under Review in the spring that they trained like NBA players from a young age.
Now, Williams-Adams is seeing the results of that hard work. After averaging 7.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.0 stocks per game while shooting 50.5% from the field and 30.8% from 3-point range and setting the freshman steals record in his lone year at Auburn, he is poised for a leap as a Vanderbilt sophomore. He started Vanderbilt's Monday exhibition against UAB and appears to have the green light on the perimeter in a way he didn't at Auburn.
Whether he starts or comes off the bench on Friday night, Williams-Adams will likely showcase that expanded game, at least in flashes. He credits Byington for allowing him to grow, but he also acknowledges the role of those in the crowd. When the game is over, Williams-Adams will embrace that group and will likely be the last one to board the bus back to Vanderbilt's hotel.
"It's going to be a little bit of a home reunion, even though it's in Miami instead of Houston," Williams-Adams said. "That family just means a ton to me."