Amari Williams has to be consuming his Weetabix. The 6-foot-10 center is now positioned 48th on the CBS Sports NBA Draft big board, indicating he has a good possibility of being chosen in the second round of next month’s draft.
No other Wildcats appear in the big board, which lists only 50 prospects.
Following three Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year titles at Drexel, Williams arrived in Kentucky to join Mark Pope’s inaugural season in Lexington.
Williams will be recalled for his rebounding, shot-blocking, and versatility. He achieved a triple-double at Ole Miss on February 4th, showcasing his versatility, aiding the Wildcats in overcoming the SEC’s challenges while managing a roster plagued by injuries.
A Nottingham, England native, Williams averaged 10.9 points and 8.5 rebounds, shooting 56.1 percent from the floor. Williams achieved 10 double-doubles during the season, recording a season-best 22 points against Arkansas on February 1st and a season-best 15 rebounds at Tennessee in the preceding game on January 28th.
Williams’ journey from mid-major dominance to making his mark in the SEC has been a notable one. At Drexel, he carved out a reputation as a defensive stalwart and rim protector, but questions lingered about how he would transition to a higher level of competition. Once he joined Kentucky, however, those doubts began to fade. His consistent production, even against tougher competition, proved that he could hold his own—and excel—on a bigger stage.
His presence in the paint provided stability during a turbulent season for the Wildcats, who endured injuries and lineup changes throughout. Williams’ ability to anchor the defense and serve as a reliable scoring option in the post gave the team a critical boost. His physicality and timing made him one of the top shot-blockers in the conference, and his improved court vision and passing allowed him to facilitate offense from the high post when needed.
Off the court, Williams is known for his maturity and quiet leadership. As one of the older players on a team full of underclassmen, he embraced the role of mentor and set the tone with his work ethic and discipline. Coaches frequently praised his attention to detail in film sessions and his willingness to do the little things that don’t always show up on stat sheets.
His triple-double performance at Ole Miss — featuring points, rebounds, and blocks — was a highlight of the season and a testament to the all-around impact he can bring to an NBA roster. Scouts have noted his improved footwork, awareness on pick-and-roll defense, and soft touch around the rim as reasons he could be a valuable second-round pick.
With the NBA Draft approaching, Williams is preparing to showcase his skills in pre-draft workouts and interviews. His draft stock is bolstered by his size, defensive instincts, and proven ability to contribute within different systems. While he may not be a headline name compared to some one-and-done prospects, his steady development and mature game make him an intriguing option for teams seeking frontcourt depth and rim protection.
If selected, Williams would become one of the few players to reach the NBA after transferring from a mid-major to a Power Five program. His story is one of persistence, adaptability, and seizing opportunity — qualities that resonate with NBA front offices.
For now, Amari Williams stands alone on CBS Sports’ big board as Kentucky’s lone representative, but if his collegiate journey is any indication, he may soon carve out a place for himself among the game’s next generation of professionals.
