By Larry Vaught
(LEXINGTON, Ky.)-When Kentucky got its first transfer portal commitment from Tulane’s Kam Williams it almost went unnoticed.
Kentucky was still playing in the NCAA Tournament when Williams committed and he was not a big name. However, he’s made a big name for himself since arriving at Kentucky and now is prominently mentioned in 2026 NBA mock drafts as a possible first-round pick.
What was there about the 6-foot-8 wing that impressed Pope immediately?
“Well, he shoots it and he’s got tremendous positional length. That’s the thing that has been the most exciting,” Pope said. “What a special person he is. It was really great to watch him and his family at camp during the summer. You talk about good, big-hearted people. That’s them. That family is the best.”
Williams started 28 of 33 games he played at Tulane last season and had 14 games in double-figures. He shot 41 percent from 3-point range but got a low volume of shots, something Pope hopes to change.
“He’s a special kid. He really cares about the right things and I’m so elated to have him here,” the Kentucky coach said. “I think clearly he’s got an insane upside. It’s going to be a transition for him, like it is for everybody going from Tulane to Kentucky.
“The level of competition is exactly what he needs right now to grow his game exponentially. We’re excited for him to do that.”
Photo Courtesy: (UK Athletics)