Kam Williams Absorbing Knowledge and Leadership from Otega Oweh as He Prepares for Bigger Role in Oklahoma’s Evolving Backcourt
Kam Williams arrived in Norman with all the physical tools you could ask for in a young college guard—athleticism, scoring potential, and a defensive upside that made coaches take notice early. But raw ability alone isn’t enough to succeed at the collegiate level, especially in a competitive program like Oklahoma’s, where expectations are sky-high and roles are earned, not given. So rather than rush the process, Williams has taken a deliberate and mature approach: learn everything he can, every day, from one of the Sooners’ most proven veterans—Otega Oweh.
In today’s transfer-heavy, high-turnover college basketball landscape, mentorship is more important than ever. For a program to maintain consistency, it needs experienced players who can guide the next generation—not just with words, but with actions. That’s exactly the dynamic that’s unfolding between Oweh and Williams. One is the seasoned leader, a battle-tested wing who’s seen the highs and lows of Big 12 basketball; the other is the hungry freshman, eager to soak up every bit of knowledge and turn it into production on the court.
From the moment Williams stepped on campus, he made it clear that he wasn’t just there to play—he was there to grow. His conversations with the coaching staff during recruitment emphasized that he wanted to be challenged, to be developed, and to understand what it truly takes to succeed at the Power Five level. And once he met Oweh, it didn’t take long to realize who he should model himself after.
Oweh isn’t just a team captain—he’s the heartbeat of Oklahoma’s defense and a tone-setter in practice. His commitment to the game, willingness to put in extra reps, and constant communication with teammates set the standard for what it means to be an Oklahoma Sooner. For Williams, watching Oweh navigate the locker room, lead drills, and handle adversity has been like taking a masterclass in leadership and maturity.
The connection between the two isn’t forced or artificial. It’s built on mutual respect. Williams understands that he’s still learning the speed, physicality, and complexity of the college game. Oweh, now a junior with two full seasons of experience, knows that part of his legacy will be how well he brings younger players along. Their conversations go far beyond just basketball. Oweh talks to Williams about film study habits, how to read defenders, when to push in transition, and even how to manage the mental ups and downs of a long season.
In practices, Williams often shadows Oweh during defensive drills, asking questions about positioning, communication, and how to avoid silly fouls. On offense, he studies Oweh’s ability to create space, use angles, and find open teammates when help defense arrives. The film room has also become a critical learning ground. Williams sits close to Oweh, asking questions about opponents’ tendencies and how to spot weaknesses in real time. These habits, small as they might seem, are the ones that separate rotational players from stars.
Williams’ coaches have noticed the difference. Head coach Porter Moser has praised Williams for his maturity and willingness to learn. “He doesn’t walk in here thinking he knows everything,” Moser said recently. “He’s a sponge. He wants to learn. He watches what Otega does in the weight room, on the court, in the locker room—and he mirrors it. That’s how great players are built.”
And while Williams is still developing, the benefits of his mentorship under Oweh are already starting to show. He’s becoming more decisive with the ball, more engaged defensively, and more confident in his voice during huddles. That’s not by accident—it’s the result of watching someone like Oweh operate at a high level every day and internalizing those behaviors.
What makes Oweh such a perfect mentor for Williams is his own journey. Oweh wasn’t an instant star. He had to work his way into the rotation, earn trust on defense, and develop his offensive game over time. That blueprint is relatable for a young player like Williams, who sees that even top contributors start somewhere. Oweh’s rise from a defensive role player to one of Oklahoma’s most complete players is a living example of the development pipeline Williams is now walking through.
There’s also a competitive fire that Oweh brings to practice that pushes Williams to elevate his game. The two often find themselves matched up in scrimmages and drills, and while Oweh usually gets the better of the freshman now, Williams relishes the challenge. He wants to compete against the best. Iron sharpens iron, and he knows that going head-to-head with Oweh will prepare him better than any matchup against a scout team player.
Off the court, the mentorship continues. Oweh has taken Williams under his wing socially, introducing him to campus life, guiding him through time management as a student-athlete, and offering advice on handling the pressure that comes with being a Sooner. For Williams, who comes from a high school environment where he was the star, this has been one of the biggest adjustments—learning how to be a great teammate first, before becoming a great player.
It’s also worth noting that this relationship is paying dividends for Oweh too. Leadership isn’t just about telling people what to do—it’s about modeling consistency and accountability. Having Williams around has given Oweh an opportunity to reflect on his own journey and take ownership of the culture he’s helping create. It adds purpose to every sprint, every meeting, every drill. Because he knows someone is watching. And that someone could be the next face of the program.
For Oklahoma, the long-term value of this dynamic is significant. Williams might not be the leading scorer right away. He might not even start this year. But the seeds are being planted now. And with Oweh as a mentor, those seeds are being nurtured with intention. By the time Oweh graduates, Williams will be more than ready to step into a larger role—not just as a player, but as a leader for the next class of Sooners to learn from.
The parallels between the two aren’t just surface-level. Both are long, athletic guards with two-way potential. Both play with intensity and passion. And both understand that basketball isn’t just about numbers—it’s about culture, consistency, and contribution. That’s why this mentorship is so powerful. It’s not about copying moves; it’s about embracing values.
As the season approaches, fans can expect to see gradual progress from Kam Williams. There may be games where he logs just a few minutes, and others where he surprises with a clutch play or a key defensive stop. But behind each moment is a daily grind fueled by humility, effort, and a willingness to learn from the very best around him.
And for those looking ahead to Oklahoma’s future, it’s hard not to be excited. Because if Williams continues on this path—if he keeps watching, asking, competing, and growing—then his ceiling is high. Very high. He won’t just be a product of his own work ethic, but of the knowledge passed down to him by a mentor who understands what it means to be a Sooner through and through.
Otega Oweh’s legacy at Oklahoma won’t just be measured by his stats or highlight reels. It will be measured by players like Kam Williams—young, talented, and molded by the example of someone who took the time to lead. And as Williams continues to rise, that legacy will live on, stronger than ever.
