On the same day Kentucky basketball played Tennessee in the Sweet 16 this past March, they landed a commit in the transfer portal in Kam Williams from Tulane.
A sharpshooter with the Green Wave last season, Williams struggled through the Wildcats’ exhibition games and first couple of regular-season games. But a five-point performance at Louisville on Tuesday, which included a 3-pointer, may have gotten him on track to be the player Kentucky fans think he can be.
Williams talked after Kentucky beat
Eastern Illinois 99-53 on Friday night about what his role could be this season.
“Make 3s and play defense. If I’m not hitting 3s, do something else,” Williams said. “I can’t really be upset when I’m missing shots, because I can contribute in other ways on defense. I can still bring energy.”
Williams made two 3-pointers on Friday night, while also having two rebounds, an assist, and a steal. On the season, Williams has 13 points and 12 rebounds. He is 5/12 from the field, including 3/10 from 3-point range but is 3/5 from deep over his last two games.
Head coach Mark Pope talked about how he was hoping this team would be further along in terms of their identity. This is what Williams had to say about Pope mentioning players using their special sauce and skill sets to love their game.
“Really just staying in myself, not trying to do anything outside of what I was brought here for,” Williams said. “Everybody has a role. NBA players have a role. Trying to step out of your role is where mistakes and accidents happen.”
Following Kentucky’s loss to Louisville, Pope said he was proud of Williams’ effort and how he hopes to see the sophomore continue to improve.
“I have the same conversation with Kam every single day, and that is about him being more aggressive, more assertive, and more physical,” said Pope.
With Jaland Lowe out, Kentucky is going to need more from its bench players to help try to offset that loss. Williams bringing an added dimension on defense and from 3-point land would certainly help.
