Kavell Bigby-Williams
Kavell Chevano Bigby-Williams | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 7, 1995 England |
| Occupation | Professional basketball player |
| Known for | Playing for Jilin Northeast Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) |
Kavell Chevano Bigby-Williams (born 7 October 1995) is a British professional basketball athlete currently playing for the Jilin Northeast Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). He received the prestigious NABC NJCAA Player of the Year award during his sophomore year at Gillette College in 2016, before advancing to compete at the collegiate level with both the Oregon Ducks and the LSU Tigers.
Early life
Raised in East London, Bigby-Williams initially pursued soccer, standing 6'6" as a goalkeeper by age 15. However, after sustaining a leg fracture, he redirected his athletic focus toward basketball. In his final year at Harris Academy Beckenham, he averaged impressive statistics of 20.7 points, 15.4 rebounds, and 6 blocks per contest. Although he originally committed to Montana State, academic eligibility issues prevented enrollment, leading him to attend Gillette College in Wyoming instead.
College career
During his freshman season at Gillette College, Bigby-Williams averaged 10.1 points alongside 9.6 rebounds each game. His sophomore campaign saw significant improvement with averages of 16.8 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 5.6 blocks per game, earning him the NABC NJCAA Player of the Year distinction. Recognized as the top junior college recruit nationwide, he signed with Oregon in April 2016.
In his junior year at Oregon, he contributed an average of 3 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, with increased minutes following Chris Boucher’s injury during the Pac-12 Tournament. Throughout the NCAA Tournament, he posted averages of 2.2 points and 2.4 rebounds, aiding Oregon’s journey to the Final Four. Subsequently, he transferred to LSU.
While at LSU, Bigby-Williams was honored as SEC Player of the Week on 21 January 2019 after notable performances against Ole Miss and South Carolina. In his senior year, he averaged 7.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game.
NBA G League
After not being selected in the 2019 NBA draft, Bigby-Williams briefly signed with the Charlotte Hornets before joining the New Orleans Pelicans. On 6 August 2019, he inked an Exhibit 10 contract with New Orleans but was waived following one preseason appearance on 19 October. He subsequently joined their NBA G League affiliate team, the Erie BayHawks. On 23 January 2020, he delivered a performance featuring 18 points, 12 rebounds, and six blocks despite a loss to the Iowa Wolves. Across 25 games that season, he averaged 8.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per contest.
On 4 February, Bigby-Williams was traded to the Sioux Falls Skyforce in exchange for Raphiael Putney. Shortly thereafter, on 27 February, he was traded again to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, with the transaction involving a second-round pick for 2020 and rights to Isaiah Hartenstein.
Europe
Bigby-Williams signed with Pallacanestro Cantù of Italy’s top-tier league (Lega Basket Serie A) on 14 December 2020. He parted ways with Cantù on 11 March 2021 and subsequently joined Belgium’s Pro Basketball League club Antwerp Giants. On 19 August 2021, he secured a contract with Anwil Włocławek competing in the Polish Basketball League.
Return to the G League
On 1 February 2022, Bigby-Williams was reacquired by the Fort Wayne Mad Ants through returning player rights within the NBA G League.
Kaohsiung 17LIVE Steelers
On 12 September 2023, Bigby-Williams became a member of the Kaohsiung 17LIVE Steelers competing in the P. League+.<ref> His tenure with the team concluded when his contract was terminated on 22 December 2023.<ref>
Astros de Jalisco
Ahead of the 2024 campaign, Bigby-Williams inked a deal with the Astros de Jalisco of Mexico’s Circuito de Baloncesto de la Costa del Pacífico (CIBACOPA), taking part in the preseason Copa Salsa Huichol tournament.<ref> Throughout the season, he was recognized as a league All-Star.<ref>
Al Ahli Tripoli
Bigby-Williams signed with Al Ahli Tripoli, a team in the Libyan Division I Basketball League, on 29 October 2024.
Jilin Northeast Tigers
In November 2024, Bigby-Williams was initially linked to the NorthPort Batang Pier of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) to serve as their import for the 2024–25 PBA Commissioner's Cup. Nevertheless, he chose to pursue a tryout with the Jilin Northeast Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), prompting NorthPort to sign Kadeem Jack as his replacement. Subsequently, on 27 November, Bigby-Williams officially joined the Jilin Northeast Tigers roster.
National team career
Bigby-Williams has represented Great Britain at both Under-18 and Under-20 levels, recording averages of 8.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. Additionally, he competed for the senior national squad during EuroBasket 2022.
Personal life
Born in England, Bigby-Williams possesses Jamaican and Dominican heritage and is related as a cousin to British-Canadian boxer Lennox Lewis.