WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - Ethan Connery, a junior guard on the William & Mary men's basketball team, hails from Akron, Ohio. He shares a hometown and even a high school, St. Vincent-St. Mary, with one of the greatest basketball players of all time, LeBron James.

While Connery might not have the same star power as "King James," he is making a name for himself at William & Mary.

Connery describes himself as outgoing, enthusiastic, and energetic — all qualities he brings to practice and games for the Tribe.

"The young coaching staff and style of play was a fit for my game," Connery said about his decision to play at William & Mary.

Connery has aspirations to play basketball professionally overseas once his college days are done.

On the court, Connery likens his game to Alex Caruso and Josh Hart, two players known for their tenacity and versatility.

However, it's LeBron who holds the title of his favorite player. Both played and won state championships for St. Vincent-St. Mary in Ohio. Off the court, it's the Cleveland Browns and Cavaliers that capture his fandom.

Connery joined the Tribe after spending the last two years at Casper College, a junior college in Wyoming. He was an All-Region IX pick last season and is a multi-dimensional player after averaging 12.4 point, 7.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. 

Connery's life isn't just about basketball. He is deeply connected to his Jewish heritage, a facet of his identity that many might not know about. His relationship with faith has played a significant role in shaping his character.

"I'm very proud to be Jewish because our community throughout history, from Egypt to the antisemitism today, has been put down. And every time, we have risen to the occasion to not be destroyed," Connery reflected.

Connery's connection to his heritage runs even deeper, as his great-grandparents survived the Holocaust.

Their story of resilience and survival has left an indelible mark on his life, providing him with a sense of strength and determination.

On gamedays, Connery's pregame rituals are a blend of spirituality and practicality.

He prays before every game on the bench and reads Psalm 23 in the locker room, grounding himself in faith and focus.

Additionally, he has a unique tradition of placing his wristband in his left sock — a habit that dates back to middle school and ensures he doesn't lose it during games.

For Connery, water is the one thing he cannot live without, a testament to his dedication to staying hydrated and healthy.

When it comes to inspiration, Connery doesn't have to look far.

His mother stands as one of the most influential figures in his life.

"She is one of the hardest workers I've ever met," Connery said. "This being with her countless jobs and her fitness."

In his downtime, Connery enjoys binge-watching "Stranger Things," indulging in a wide range of music genres, and scrolling through TikTok.

His favorite app, TikTok, serves as a platform for him to express his creativity and connect with others. Fans can follow him at @econnery. 

As Connery continues his journey at William & Mary, he remains committed to his family's tradition of putting family first and celebrating each other's successes.

Whether he's on the court, drawing inspiration from his mother, or honoring his Jewish heritage, Ethan Connery embodies the spirit of resilience and determination, making his mark both on and off the court.