The Kentucky Wildcats are climbing again - and this time, it’s not just hype. After rattling off four straight wins, a healthier, more complete Wildcats squad is beginning to look like the team many expected to see. That surge has earned Kentucky (9-4) a spot back in the top 25 of ESPN’s Power Rankings, landing at No. 22 after being unranked just a week ago.
And while much of the recent buzz has centered around the return of key pieces like Jayden Quaintance, Jaland Lowe, and Mouhamed Dioubate, there’s another name that deserves serious attention: Kam Williams.
The Tulane transfer came into the season with expectations to bring size and shooting to Kentucky’s backcourt rotation, but his early numbers didn’t exactly turn heads. Through his first 10 games, Williams averaged just 4.2 points per game and was shooting a rough 19.4% from beyond the arc - a far cry from the floor-spacing threat the Wildcats were hoping for.
But lately? Different story.
Over his last three games, Williams has flipped the script. He’s averaging 15.3 points and connecting on a scorching 64.7% of his threes.
That includes a breakout performance against Bellarmine, where he dropped 26 points on 8-for-10 shooting from deep. That kind of efficiency doesn’t just happen - it’s the product of rhythm, confidence, and a player finally settling into his role.
It’s not just the numbers, either. Williams’ shot selection has improved, he’s finding better spots within the offense, and he’s playing with a level of confidence that was missing earlier in the season. For a Kentucky team that thrives when it has multiple perimeter threats, his emergence could be a game-changer.
Looking ahead, the Wildcats are about to face a critical stretch. They’ll hit the road to face No.
14 Alabama on January 3 - a matchup that will test just how real this recent momentum is. Then they return home to host Missouri on January 7.
If Williams continues to shoot the ball like this and Kentucky’s core stays healthy, this team could be poised to make some serious noise in conference play. The pieces are finally starting to come together in Lexington - and the rest of the SEC should take notice.