Making the case for why Kam Williams could start for the Kentucky Wildcats

One player who is going to have an excellent season for the Kentucky Wildcats this year is the Tulane transfer Kam Williams. Last season as a true freshman for the Green Wave, Williams averaged 9.3 points per game to go with 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks.

The 6’8 guard shot 48.5% from the field and 41.2% from three. Williams’s usage rate wasn’t high last season, but if Tulane’s staff let him shoot the ball more, his numbers would have been even better.

Now Williams comes to Lexington as one of the most underrated transfers in all of college basketball who is looking to make a big splash in the SEC.

There is a world where Williams could start for the Wildcats with Jaland Lowe and Otega Oweh in the backcourt. For this to happen, he would have to beat out the likes of Jasper Johnson, Denzel Aberdeen, and Collin Chandler, but he is capable of doing this.

When it comes to NBA upside, Williams, alongside Johnson and Jayden Quaintance, have the most on the 2025-26 roster.

He is more than capable of being a first-round pick if he is able to find his potential as a starter for the Kentucky Wildcats this season.

At 6’8, with his ability to shoot the ball in Mark Pope’s system, the sky is the limit for Williams.

Williams has not been talked about as much as some of the other transfer portal additions, but he could be the best of the group with Quaintance. Kam Williams will be an All-SEC player for Kentucky this season.

Kam Williams, a dynamic and versatile player, has the potential to make a significant impact for the Kentucky Wildcats as a starting player. With his skill set, athleticism, and work ethic, Williams could be the type of player that Head Coach John Calipari relies on to elevate the team to national prominence. Below, I’ll explore the reasons why Kam Williams deserves a starting spot for the Wildcats and how he could contribute to the team’s success.

Scoring Ability
One of Kam Williams’ most apparent strengths is his ability to score from a variety of positions on the court. His offensive versatility makes him an ideal candidate for a starting role in Kentucky’s fast-paced system. Williams is a natural scorer, capable of creating his own shot off the dribble, as well as catching and shooting from beyond the arc. His jump shot is smooth, and he has the confidence to take big shots in critical moments.

Kentucky’s offense relies heavily on spacing, ball movement, and quick decision-making. Williams excels in these areas. As a starter, his ability to stretch the floor by knocking down outside shots would open up opportunities for teammates to operate in the paint. With the Wildcats often attracting attention on the inside due to their talented big men, Williams’ shooting could provide the balance necessary to keep opposing defenses on edge. His ability to score off the ball, by moving without it and positioning himself for open shots, would complement the ball-dominant play of players like Cason Wallace or Antonio Reeves, making the offense even more difficult to defend.

Defensive Potential
While Williams is known for his scoring, his defensive prowess should not be overlooked. Over the course of his career, he has consistently demonstrated solid on-ball defense, using his athleticism to contest shots and stay in front of his man. As a starter for Kentucky, his defensive abilities would be crucial, especially in the demanding SEC, where teams often feature explosive guards and athletic wings.

Williams’ length and lateral quickness give him the tools to guard multiple positions. His experience defending both perimeter players and the occasional forward makes him an asset for Coach Calipari, who values a versatile defense that can switch on screens and stay active throughout the shot clock. Additionally, Williams’ strong basketball IQ and awareness allow him to read passing lanes and disrupt opposing offenses, creating opportunities for fast breaks and transition points.

Leadership and Experience
Kam Williams brings a level of experience that could be vital for the Wildcats, particularly in high-pressure situations. Having played at the collegiate level for multiple seasons, he understands the demands of top-tier basketball, including the mental and emotional challenges that arise during close games or tough stretches. Williams’ leadership ability would provide stability to a Kentucky roster that could feature several freshmen and transfers, who may still be adjusting to the college game.

Williams is also known for his work ethic and commitment to improvement. His attitude in practice and his approach to preparation would make him a positive influence on the team’s overall culture. In games where the team faces adversity, Williams could be the kind of player who steps up and leads by example, motivating his teammates to dig deeper and elevate their play. Whether it’s through vocal encouragement or simply showing confidence on the court, Williams’ leadership would be an asset to Kentucky’s title hopes.

Position Flexibility
Kentucky’s system often requires players to be positionally flexible, and Kam Williams fits that mold. While he is primarily a guard, his size and skills enable him to play both the shooting guard and small forward positions, depending on matchups. This flexibility allows Coach Calipari to experiment with different lineups, giving Kentucky the opportunity to exploit mismatches against opposing teams.

For example, if the Wildcats are facing a team with a smaller lineup, Williams could slide into the shooting guard position to create a more potent offensive threat. If Kentucky encounters a larger, more physical team, Williams could shift to the small forward spot, providing a more traditional lineup without sacrificing scoring ability or defense. This kind of positional adaptability gives Calipari valuable options when determining who should be on the court in various game situations.

Chemistry with Teammates
One of the often-overlooked aspects of a starting player is their ability to work well within the team’s dynamic. Kam Williams has already shown an ability to build chemistry with his teammates and contribute in a way that doesn’t disrupt team flow. His willingness to play within the system, make the extra pass, and prioritize team success over individual statistics would be crucial for Kentucky’s success.

As a player who understands the importance of fitting into a team-oriented style of play, Williams could quickly develop strong relationships with the team’s other key players. His ability to move without the ball, set screens, and create opportunities for others would make him a valuable asset in both structured offensive sets and chaotic, free-flowing moments.

Contribution to Kentucky’s Title Aspirations
Ultimately, Kentucky’s goals are centered around competing for a national championship, and Kam Williams has the qualities needed to be a contributor in that pursuit. His scoring versatility, defensive capabilities, leadership experience, and positional flexibility all align with what the Wildcats need to compete at the highest level. The team will be looking for players who can step up when it matters most, and Williams is more than capable of doing just that.

If Kam Williams were to start for Kentucky, he could be the X-factor that helps elevate the Wildcats to the next level. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, his leadership, and his familiarity with the demands of college basketball make him a prime candidate to help lead Kentucky toward a national championship. With the right role, Kam Williams could be a difference-maker for the Wildcats this season.