Shelden DeMar Williams was born October 21, 1983, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the son of educators Bob and Jeannette Williams. His father played basketball at Oklahoma Christian University and coached high school and junior high school basketball. His brother Quincy played basketball at North Texas. Shelden grew up in the household of teachers, and the value of learning and academic achievement was instilled early. He was a member of the National Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
At Midwest City High School, Williams became one of the most dominant big men in the country. As a senior, he averaged 20 points, 12 rebounds, three blocked shots, and three assists per game. He was named the Gatorade Oklahoma Player of the Year in both 2001 and 2002, a Parade All-American, and was rated the nation’s fifth-best prep player by Future Stars and BlueChipHoops.com. His nickname — ‘The Landlord’ — stuck from high school, a nod to his ability to own the paint.
He chose Duke, arriving in the fall of 2002 as part of a class that included J.J. Redick and Sean Dockery.