Bison Dele, formerly known as Brian Williams, changed his name in 1998 primarily to honor his Native American (Cherokee) and African ancestry.
The Significance of a New Identity
In 1998, the accomplished NBA player Brian Williams made the personal decision to change his name to Bison Dele. This name change was a profound expression of his heritage, specifically undertaken to pay tribute to his Native American (Cherokee) and African roots. It reflected a deep connection to his ancestral background and a desire to publicly acknowledge this part of his identity.
Dele concluded his professional basketball career playing his final season under his new name, marking this significant personal transformation at the culmination of his time in the NBA.
Career Context
Before adopting the name Bison Dele, as Brian Williams, he played two seasons with the Detroit Pistons. During the 1997–98 season, he achieved career highs, averaging 16.2 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. His decision to change his name occurred just as he was completing an impactful period in his professional career.
For more details on his life and career, you can refer to his biography.
