Amari Williams’ transformation from a turnover-prone player to a key contributor for Kentucky has been one of the most significant developments of the season. The seven-footer, who transferred to the Wildcats from Drexel, faced a steep learning curve in Mark Pope’s fast-paced, ball-sharing offense. After struggling early with turnovers, Williams found himself at a critical juncture in December that would redefine his season.
In early December, after a tough outing against Clemson, Pope and Williams had a pivotal one-on-one meeting. At the time, Williams was averaging nearly three turnovers per game, a glaring issue in an offense that demands precision and playmaking from its big men. His assist-to-turnover ratio was an unsustainable 20 assists to 23 turnovers, something that was holding him back from reaching his full potential.
“We need our bigs to be playmakers,” Pope explained. “Amari’s role in this offense requires a higher level of decision-making, and the turnovers were a big problem.”
From that conversation, Williams dedicated himself to improving his ball-handling and decision-making. The results were immediate and dramatic. In his last six games, Williams has dramatically reduced his turnovers, posting 14 assists against just three turnovers, including a standout performance in Kentucky’s win over Florida, where he had five assists and only one turnover.
“Just about protecting the ball,” Williams explained. “I’ve become more cautious, knowing when to make the right pass and when to hold back.”
Along with improving his passing, Williams’ presence in the paint has been vital. Against Florida, he was a force, scoring 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting and grabbing eight rebounds. His efficiency and ball control have made him indispensable to Kentucky’s success, especially as SEC play intensifies.
With Williams playing at such a high level, the Wildcats are poised for a deep run in March. If he continues to protect the ball and maintain his strong play in the paint, Amari Williams could be the key to unlocking Kentucky’s championship aspirations.
