A former Tulane Green Wave basketball standout has shared his reasons for choosing the Kentucky Wildcats as his next destination.
The Tulane men’s basketball program experienced its first major roster change on Friday when Kam Williams announced he would be transferring to Kentucky. Williams, a member of the All-AAC Freshmen Team, is among five Tulane players who have opted to enter the transfer portal.
Joining him in the portal are Kaleb Banks, Mari Jordan, Michael Eley, and Spencer Elliott. Interestingly, Banks, Jordan, and Eley are set to transfer for the second time in two years, having joined Tulane from Indiana, Georgia, and Siena, respectively, before the 2024-25 season. Meanwhile, Elliott, like Williams, just completed his freshman season at Tulane.
Williams quickly became a sought-after prospect in the transfer portal, drawing attention from numerous major programs, many of which participated in this year’s NCAA Tournament. Among his suitors were the Florida Gators and Texas Tech Red Raiders, both of whom reached the Elite Eight. The Arkansas Razorbacks, who were eliminated by Texas Tech after a dramatic comeback, also pursued the talented freshman.
Kentucky, currently preparing for its Sweet 16 matchup against Tennessee, ultimately secured Williams’ commitment. Despite not making an official visit to the school, he was drawn to Kentucky’s playing style under head coach Mark Pope, the program’s need for a versatile wing, and its strong track record of developing NBA talent.
“My goal is to reach the NBA,” Williams told Jonathan Givony of ESPN. “Kentucky has a history of truly investing in their players, helping them grow into the best versions of themselves.”
Standing at 6-foot-8, Williams possesses a rare blend of size, length, and athleticism that makes him an appealing prospect at any level. His defensive impact was evident in his freshman campaign, where he averaged 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Offensively, he contributed 9.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, while showcasing impressive perimeter shooting, hitting 41.2% of his 3.6 three-point attempts per game.
Initially, Williams considered testing the NBA Draft process alongside his transfer decision. However, he ultimately opted to spend another year in college, believing that a season with the Wildcats would better prepare him for the next level.
“I had a solid freshman year, but I know I need more development to reach my ultimate goal,” he explained. “Spending another season refining my skills and gaining experience will put me in the best position for long-term success in the NBA. It’s not just about getting there—it’s about staying there.”
With Kentucky set to lose six of its top seven scorers—Amari Williams, Andrew Carr, Lamont Butler, Jaxson Robinson, Koby Brea, and Ansley Almonor—Williams could have a prime opportunity to establish himself as a key player in the Wildcats’ rotation next season.
