In what has been a wild few weeks of Kentucky basketball news, it almost got even crazier. Newly committed big man Amari Williams had some second thoughts about his Wildcats commitment after the signings of Andrew Carr and Brandon Garrison.
New coach Mark Pope ended up having a meeting with Williams, and according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN, the former Drexel center has decided to stay in Lexington for the 2024-25 season.
With the transfer rules being as they are, players can easily change schools at any moment, and if they don’t like a situation, they can go elsewhere. Williams would certainly like to be the starter for the Cats, and probably had some concerns about a crowded frontcourt.
Pope likely had some wisdom on that, having played with multiple talented big men himself when he was with Kentucky as a player.
Williams is an important piece for Pope and the Wildcats. He’s an elite defender who is certain to be featured next season. If he can take the next step offensively, he’ll be a start.