Kentucky is still in the hunt for one of the top names in the 2027 class, and AJ Williams’ trimmed list shows the Wildcats made the right kind of early impression.
Williams, a 6-foot-7 wing who reclassified into 2027, has narrowed things down to Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, Arkansas, BYU, Auburn, Duke and Illinois. ESPN and 247Sports have him ranked No. 5 nationally, while Rivals puts him at No. 4, according to A Sea of Blue.
The interest from Kentucky came fast. The Wildcats offered Williams on Sept. 1 and quickly secured a spot among his finalists, which makes sense once you look at the numbers he’s been putting up.
During his most recent high school season, Williams averaged 31.8 points and 12.7 rebounds. On the EYBL circuit, he posted 19.3 points and 7.9 assists. That blend is rare for a wing, especially one operating against top-level competition.
He’s not just a scorer, either. Williams helped the United States win a gold medal at the FIBA Under-17 AmeriCup, adding another layer to a profile that already stands out because of how much he can do with the ball in his hands.
A player with that kind of size and vision can change the way an offense functions. Williams doesn’t need a traditional point guard to set everything up for him, but he can also score enough to make defenses pay if they focus too much on his passing.
Kentucky’s path won’t be easy, though. Duke and North Carolina bring the kind of blue-blood pull that never goes away.
Auburn and Arkansas have stayed aggressive in recruiting, and BYU has proven it can land elite talent with resources and a clear plan. Georgia and Georgia Tech could also matter, depending on how Williams weighs location and familiarity.
Still, Kentucky has a case to make. The Wildcats can pitch Williams on the idea of being the centerpiece of a modern offense, a versatile wing who can initiate, attack mismatches, rebound and move all over the floor. He wouldn’t have to be boxed into one role.
For now, Kentucky has done the important part by getting onto the list before the field got any smaller. The next step will come through visits and whatever pace Williams chooses for his decision.
If the Wildcats can close, they’d be landing one of the most complete offensive prospects in the class and a player who could shape possessions every time he steps on the floor.
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