The Year of ManMan

Alondes “ManMan” Williams has been absolutely BALLING this season for Sioux Falls, averaging 18 points, 6.6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game in the Showcase Cup to open the season, and 21.8 points, 6.4 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game in the Regular Season, shooting 53.5% from the field and 40% from three.

This performance from ManMan is exactly what head coach Kasib Powell was looking for coming into the season, “When you talk about new guys coming in, I’m looking for Alondes Williams to lead with his voice as well as his performance on the court” said Powell in a preseason conversation.

ManMan made his impact with the Force early, recording 20 points and 10 assists in his first game with the Force, and scoring 42 points in an impressive win in Motor City during the Showcase Cup.

42 points simply wasn’t enough for Alondes.

After a 5-0 start to the Regular Season, the Force found themselves down 0-17 to open the game against the Salt Lake City Stars, trailing by as many as 26 points in the first half.

Alondes and HEAT two-way Cole Swider combined for 34 points in the third, leading to a 49-point third quarter for the Force, taking a 104-99 lead entering the fourth.

Alondes Williams took the game over, scoring 21 points in the fourth, totaling a Skyforce franchise record 55 points, on 70% shooting. Earning the Force a 138-130 comeback win.

ManMan credits the coaching staff and the freedom he has on the court “I’m just in a good opportunity and good system right now. They’re trusting me and letting me be who I am.”

The Skyforce weren’t the only ones to take notice of ManMan’s performance on the court this season.

ManMan earned two NBA G League Player of the Weeks before he was named the NBA G League KIA Player of the Month for January.

Only a day after being named G League Player of the Month, Alondes helped lead a 23-point fourth quarter comeback for the Force against the Iowa Wolves.

ManMan recorded 39 points, six assists and seven rebounds on 61.9% shooting from the field and 50% shooting from beyond the arc in the 157-156 comeback victory.

“We always talk to each other, that’s the good thing about our team, we got good chemistry,” ManMan said of how the team is able pull off these insane comebacks. “We all get along together where we can say things to each other without being offended. That plays a big part in us being focused and locked in.”

The records and accolades have all been huge for Alondes, but none bigger than the recognition from the Miami HEAT.

ManMan Williams was promoted to a two-way contract with the Miami HEAT joining Jamal Cain and Cole Swider as Miami’s two-way players.

“As a player the HEAT are getting a competitor, he’s going to go out and compete every night,” said Kasib Powell of ManMan, “As a person a kindhearted guy that’s very likeable, that’s going to bring good energy to the team by being himself and spreading that positive energy.”

Teammate Justin Champagnie said, “He’s a great dude, fun to be around, good vibes, great energy in the locker room and on the court. He brings that toughness every day. As a player he’s a dog man. Y’all can see it for yourselves, he gets buckets. That’s my boy right there. Really excited for him, super deserving, and I’m excited to see what they got in store for him.”

ManMan is happy to stay with the HEAT organization, “It’s amazing. I always told my agent from the start; I feel like the HEAT culture is a good fit for me because they’re a hard-nosed team and I feel like I’m a hard-nosed player. It feels great to be on that next level again and playing against high level players.”

Alondes made his debut with Miami in his hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin against the Bucks.

While all this was going on for Alondes, he was also selected to participate in the Panini Rising Stars game, as well as the NBA G League Up Next game with teammate Cole Swider.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” said ManMan, “you know just always growing up wanting to be a part of the all-star environment and then being around a lot of high-level talent and getting to showcase my talents too.”

ManMan and his squad of NBA G League talent, Team Detlef, were matched up against Team Pau, featuring Victor Wembanyama, Brandon Miller, and the HEAT’s own Jamie Jaquez Jr, in the first round of the Panini Rising Stars.

And stole the show did he ever, recording several highlight plays, en route to earning his team the win.

All-Star Weekend in Indy didn’t end there as ManMan and Cole took the floor for the NBA G League Up Next Game, squaring off against each other in the semifinal.

It was a back-and-forth battle between the two sides, but Alondes’ side came out on top 30-27, Alondes leading the way with 14 points.

“I’m just trying to show my talents on the biggest stage in front of everyone with all the legends and hall of famers here” said ManMan in his postgame interview.

ManMan and his team went on to win the finals and earn his team the 2024 Up Next Championship.

ManMan has helped lead the Force to an impressive 15-5 start to the Regular Season that puts the team in first place by 1.5 games in the Western Conference as well as leading the league in points per game with 121.2.

“We gotta keep on going at it with the same mindset as the other games” said Alondes. “Keep being strong, keep going strong and keep doing the right things.”

ManMan will play with both the Skyforce and the Miami HEAT on his two-way deal, as he continues to make an impact everywhere he steps on the floor.

The Skyforce will look to keep the momentum through the All-Star break as they resume play on Feb. 22, as they face the South Bay Lakers (10-6), who are fourth in the West. It will be an eight-day, four game LA trip, with two against the Lakers and Ontario Clippers (9-11).