Amari Williams’ High-Energy Play Impresses, but Mark Pope Highlights a Key Area for Growth
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Amari Williams continues to make waves for the Kentucky Wildcats, showcasing an extraordinary level of athleticism and skill. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has drawn praise from head coach Mark Pope, who believes Williams is a “once-in-a-generation” player. However, despite his dominant performances, Pope has identified one key area where Williams can elevate his game even further—controlling his speed at the rim.
A Force on the Court
Williams’ presence on the floor has been nothing short of remarkable. Standing at seven feet tall, he moves with a level of agility rarely seen in players of his size. Whether it’s blocking a three-pointer, grabbing rebounds, or leading the fast break, Williams has demonstrated a unique blend of size, speed, and skill. In Kentucky’s recent game, he recorded 10 rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and a steal—proving his ability to contribute in all facets of the game.
His athleticism was on full display against Illinois, where he raced on a closeout, blocked a three-point shot, collected the rebound, sprinted down the court, and finished with a dunk on the other end. Plays like these have turned heads across the college basketball world, cementing Williams’ status as one of the most electrifying big men in the country.
The Need for More Controlled Finishes
Despite his dominance, Pope pointed out that Williams can further enhance his game by slowing down when attacking the rim.
“One of the things that happens to Amari is he just sometimes gets a little sped up,” Pope said. “It’s why he’s playing so well… but the one thing he would like to do is just slow down a little bit once he gets to the rim, kind of get his feet under him.”
Williams’ aggressive approach and high-energy style of play contribute to his success, but Pope believes that adding more control in the paint will make him an even more efficient scorer. The Kentucky coaching staff has emphasized patience in finishing plays, which could lead to more consistent dunks and high-percentage shots.
A Unique Playmaker for Kentucky
What makes Williams even more special is his versatility as a playmaker. Unlike traditional centers who primarily function as rim protectors and rebounders, Williams has taken on a much larger role in Kentucky’s offense. His ability to handle the ball, make decisions in transition, and pass out of double teams sets him apart from other big men.
“He’s under a tremendous amount of pressure from us to be a playmaker, and he’s playing against this drop defense,” Pope explained. “This weekend, he played elite, elite-level basketball.”
By refining his ability to slow down and maintain control near the rim, Williams could take his game to another level. His size and skill already make him an imposing force, but better footwork and balance could turn him into an unstoppable offensive weapon.
Drawing Comparisons to Past Kentucky Bigs
Williams’ unique skill set has drawn comparisons to some of the great big men who have played for Kentucky. While he has his own distinct style, some fans and analysts see shades of former Wildcats like Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Bam Adebayo in his game. Like those NBA stars, Williams possesses the ability to dominate defensively while also serving as a key offensive playmaker.
His high-energy play and defensive versatility certainly resemble Adebayo’s time at Kentucky, while his ability to handle the ball and create for teammates brings Towns to mind. If Williams can develop better control in finishing at the rim, he could follow in their footsteps and make a significant impact at the next level.
What’s Next for Williams and Kentucky?
As the Wildcats continue their season, all eyes will be on Williams to see how he refines his game. With the NCAA Tournament approaching, Kentucky will need him at his best to make a deep run in March Madness. If he can add more control to his high-speed game, he could become one of the most dangerous players in college basketball.
For now, Williams remains one of the most exciting talents in the nation, and with Pope’s guidance, he has the potential to become even more dominant. Wildcats fans can look forward to watching his development as he continues to grow into a complete player.
