Kentucky has jumped into the mix for one of the biggest names in the 2027 class, and the timing makes this one especially interesting.
On Tuesday night, top five wing AJ Williams announced that he had picked up an offer from Mark Pope and the Wildcats. Williams kept his message simple: "Blessed to receive an offer from the University of Kentucky," he said on social media. That’s the kind of announcement Kentucky fans know to watch closely, because Williams may not be on the board for much longer.
There’s already buzz that a commitment could be coming soon, and one program has started to separate itself in the race. Right now, BYU is viewed as the leader as Williams moves toward the final stretch of his recruitment. Kentucky is trying to crash that party late, with Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, North Carolina, Georgia and Duke also still in the picture.
Williams’ recruiting path has shifted before. He was originally the top prospect in the 2028 class before deciding to move up to 2027, which only adds to the attention around him now that his decision appears close.
Rivals’ Jamie Shaw described Williams as a polished, physical wing with plenty to like: "AJ Williams brings a mature approach to the game. Positional size, listed at 6-foot-7, he has quality length and explosive athletic pop.
He is the top-ranked player in the 2028 recruiting cycle, and he is a shot-maker. Someone who is comfortable being at the top of a scouting report, and still getting to his spots at multiple levels and finishing plays.
He is not a super-dynamic or super-flashy player, but instead, he is steady, plays with a purpose, and rebounds in his area. Williams was second on last summer’s U16 USA Basketball team in minutes and third in scoring.
There is a lot of depth at his position, but it would also not surprise to see the team provide some different lineups that get their five best players, regardless of position, on the floor at the same time."
Williams backed up that reputation with a huge showing for Team USA in the FIBA U17 World Cup, where he put up 25 points, seven boards, two assists and two steals in 15 minutes during a win over Japan. He shot 7-10 from the field, 5-6 from three and 6-6 from the line.
Kentucky may be a little late to the chase, but with a player this highly regarded and a decision looming, the Wildcats have at least made their move.
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For Auburn, the opener is more than a clean start on the schedule. Quarterback Byrum Brown is in the mix for the Tigers after transferring in, while Baylor brings in DJ Lagway at quarterback and Bryson Washington has gone the other direction to Auburn at running back. Those connections add another layer to an already revealing first game for Golesh, one that will offer an early look at how quickly Auburns new staff and transfer-driven roster can come together. [Read more 🡒]