Kentucky Wildcats targeting former All-Star guard for assistant coach

The Kentucky Wildcats recently were able to get their first commit of the Class of 2026, and that player is four-star guard Mason Williams from Tennessee Collegiate Academy. He is ranked as the 109th-best player nationally and the third-best player from his state.

Williams is the son of Mo Williams, a former NBA All-Star guard, who may also be set to join the Wildcats coaching staff. Williams, who made a name for himself with the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers in the late 2000s and early 2010s, earned an All-Star appearance during the 2008-09 season, when he averaged 17.8 points and 4.1 assists per game.

Now, Williams may be joining the staff for Kentucky, and it wouldn’t be shocking to think that’s partially why Mason is taking his talents to Lexington. He has recently been the head coach for Jackson State. There’s still a little bit to go on the deal, but according to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, there is mutual interest. With a few names hitting the coaching free agency from the Kentucky staff, there are ample spots if Mark Pope wants to bring in Williams.

Williams has coaching experience, having been an assistant with Cal State Northridge before heading to Alabama State and more recently Jackson State. He didn’t have an impressive coaching record, but he’s certainly early in his coaching career, having retired from a lengthy NBA career in 2016.

Pope needs to round out his coaching staff, as Alvin Brooks III is not expected to return. He was Pope’s top assistant, so his exodus is certainly going to sting. Nonetheless, Pope should have enough NIL money and connections around the country to find another talented coach.