Amari Williams has been a dominant force for Kentucky this season, showcasing his unique skill set as a 7-foot, 262-pound center. His ability to impact games in multiple ways has made him a standout, averaging 10.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game. In Kentucky’s NCAA Tournament victories over Troy and Illinois, he contributed significantly, despite some inefficiencies at the rim.
During Mark Pope’s call-in radio show, a fan bluntly asked, “How can you get Amari to dunk more?” Pope appreciated the directness of the question and acknowledged that Williams, despite his dominance, sometimes rushes his shots instead of going for high-percentage dunks. Pope emphasized that Williams is an elite, once-in-a-generation talent who plays at an incredibly fast pace. However, he noted that slowing down at the rim could help Williams convert more opportunities.
Williams’ versatility sets him apart. He’s one of only three players in Kentucky history to record 300+ rebounds and 100+ assists in a season, alongside Antoine Walker and Cliff Hagan. Pope believes Williams’ impact is historic and wishes he had more years to coach him. While he’s already making his mark, a bit more patience at the rim could unlock even greater dominance.
