Once a Hog, Now a Highlight: Razorback Alum Jaylin Williams Outpaces 96% of the NBA in Triple-Doubles
Oklahoma City, OK — Jaylin Williams, the former Arkansas Razorback known for his hustle, heart, and signature charge-taking at Bud Walton Arena, is making headlines once again — but this time on the grand stage of the NBA. Now in his third season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Williams just notched his third triple-double of the season, a stat that places him in elite company: he now has more triple-doubles than 96% of the NBA.
Let that sink in — among roughly 450 players in the league, only 14 have tallied three or more triple-doubles this season. And Jaylin Williams, who averages a modest six points per game, is among them.
On Friday night, Williams delivered a stunning all-around performance during the Thunder’s blowout 145-111 win over the Utah Jazz. He racked up 15 points, 10 assists, and 11 rebounds, along with a block and a steal. It wasn’t just a stat-padding night — it was a true display of his basketball IQ, versatility, and unselfish style of play that Razorback fans have admired since day one.
🐗 From Fort Smith to Fayetteville to the NBA
Williams’ journey has been anything but ordinary. Hailing from Fort Smith, Arkansas, he became a household name at the University of Arkansas, where he played a key role in Eric Musselman’s hard-nosed, high-energy squads that made deep NCAA tournament runs. Known for his willingness to sacrifice his body on the defensive end, Williams led the NCAA in charges taken during his final college season, earning SEC All-Defensive honors and winning over fans with his gritty, blue-collar approach.
While critics once pigeonholed him as “just a guy who takes charges,” Williams has been quietly evolving his game at the next level. In the NBA, he’s showing he’s more than a hustle player — he’s a connector, a playmaker, and now, a statistical anomaly.
🏀 A Triple-Double Threat in the Making
What makes Williams’ triple-double streak even more impressive is that he’s doing it without being the focal point of the Thunder offense. With stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and rising talents like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams around him, Jaylin has carved out his niche as a do-it-all forward who contributes in ways that don’t always make the highlight reel — but make a huge impact on the court.
“Jaylin is a winning player,” said Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault after Friday’s game. “He reads the game well, makes the right plays, and does whatever the team needs. His growth has been phenomenal.”
📈 Numbers That Speak Volumes
3 Triple-Doubles this season
15/10/11 line vs. Utah Jazz
More triple-doubles than 96% of current NBA players
Ranked among the top forwards in assist-to-turnover ratio
And yet, he remains humble. In a post-game interview, Williams credited his teammates and coaching staff: “I’m just trying to make the right play every time down the floor. Whether that’s scoring, passing, or rebounding — it’s about winning. That’s what we did back in Arkansas, and that’s what we’re doing here in OKC.”
💙 Woo Pig Forever
While Jaylin may now wear Thunder blue, his Razorback red roots run deep. Hog Nation continues to show up in support — from Fort Smith to Fayetteville, social media was flooded with praise as fans celebrated the latest milestone from their hometown hero.
Former Razorback teammate JD Notae tweeted, “J-Will out here proving ’em all wrong. Straight dog 💪🏽.”
🔮 What’s Next?
With the Thunder making a serious playoff push and Jaylin’s role only growing, the best may still be ahead for the 22-year-old forward. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways has become impossible to ignore — and if he keeps stacking triple-doubles like this, a Most Improved Player conversation may not be far off.
From taking charges in college to dishing dimes in the NBA, Jaylin Williams is redefining what it means to be a big man in today’s game — and he’s doing it all while making Arkansas proud.
