Last updated: 2026-08-27 · Published: 2026-08-27
Boston Celtics two-way center Amari Williams will make his Great Britain senior debut this week, seven years after his last appearance in the national setup. The 24-year-old Nottingham-born big man is in training camp with Team GB ahead of two EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifying games that close out August.
Great Britain travel to Fribourg to face Switzerland on Thursday, August 27, before hosting Slovakia in Newcastle on Sunday, August 30. Williams was called up for the first time at senior level after representing Britain at under-16, under-18 and under-20 levels.
Key facts at a glance
| Player | Amari Williams, center, 24 |
| Team | Great Britain senior national team (first call-up) |
| Game 1 | vs Switzerland, Fribourg, Thursday Aug. 27 |
| Game 2 | vs Slovakia, Newcastle, Sunday Aug. 30 |
| Competition | EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers |
| NBA status | Two-way deal with the Boston Celtics for 2025-26 |
| Last senior squad | None — seven years since last national appearance at youth level |
What this call-up means for Williams
Williams entered his second NBA offseason with more than a sophomore campaign on his mind. Boston selected the 6-foot-11 center with the No. 46 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and signed him to a two-way contract, later converting him to a two-year, $2.7 million standard deal in February before bringing him back on a new two-way arrangement this offseason.
“Making my Great Britain senior debut means a lot to me,” Williams said ahead of the games. “Just cause it’s been a long time coming and it’s something that I’ve always looked forward to.”
He added: “I was just excited, especially since I haven’t done it since seven years ago and the guys on the team, the same way I have never played with them for the past however long in my life. So to be able to regroup with those group of guys and just be able to play on home soil was something I couldn’t shy away from.”
A strong rookie year in Maine
Williams made his biggest impression as a rookie in the G League. Across 28 appearances for the Maine Celtics, he averaged 15.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.7 blocks while shooting 59.6% from the field. He ranked 16th in the G League with 305 rebounds and 20th with 49 blocks despite logging fewer minutes than many players ahead of him.
His playmaking stood out as a point of difference: 139 assists was the second-most among G League centers. Williams carried that form into the 2026 Summer League, averaging 9.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.2 blocks across four appearances.
Williams is not the only player with Celtics ties in the Great Britain squad. Tosan Evbuomwan, who briefly played for the Maine Celtics last season, was also named to the team after joining EuroLeague club FC Barcelona this offseason.
Watch: What the videos show
Next Up: Celtics rookies Hugo Gonzalez, Amari Williams & Max Shulga visit Boston
The official Boston Celtics series follows this season’s rookie class, including Williams, as the newcomers make their first visit to the franchise’s home base. It offers an up-close look at the center settling in with his new team before the season.
Amari Williams 2024-25 Best Highlights
A highlights reel of Williams’ rookie campaign shows the skills that earned him an expanded role with Boston and a spot on the senior Great Britain squad — his rim protection, rebounding and passing out of the post.
Confirmed vs. speculation
| Confirmed | Not confirmed |
|---|---|
| Williams received a first senior Great Britain call-up | His exact minutes or role in the two games |
| Great Britain plays Switzerland (Aug. 27) and Slovakia (Aug. 30) | Match results |
| He is on a two-way deal with the Boston Celtics | The final composition of his NBA role for 2025-26 |
| Williams averaged 15.8 pts, 10.8 reb in 28 Maine games as a rookie | Projections for his NBA playing time |
Frequently asked questions
Who is Amari Williams?
Amari Williams is a 24-year-old center from Nottingham, England, who plays for the Boston Celtics on a two-way contract after being drafted with the No. 46 pick in 2025.
Why is this his Great Britain senior debut?
He previously represented Britain at under-16, under-18 and under-20 level but has not appeared for the senior team. This call-up is his first at senior level, seven years after his last national-team appearance.
When and where does Great Britain play?
Against Switzerland in Fribourg on Thursday, August 27, and against Slovakia in Newcastle on Sunday, August 30, as part of the EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers.
How was his rookie season?
In 28 G League games with the Maine Celtics he averaged 15.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists, shooting 59.6% from the field.
How can fans watch the games?
Coverage details are confirmed by the national federation closer to each game; live broadcast availability varies by market.
Who else is new to the Great Britain squad?
Tosan Evbuomwan, another player with Maine Celtics ties who joined FC Barcelona this offseason, also received a first senior call-up.
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Sources
- Heavy / NBA (Matt Evans)
- BBC Sport (EuroBasket qualifying coverage, Great Britain’s NBA recruits)
- Boston Celtics official channels
