Amari Williams: Kentucky’s Lone NBA Draft Prospect on CBS Sports’ Big Board, Ranked No. 48…

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY — When Amari Williams stepped onto the campus of the University of Kentucky in the summer of 2024, few outside of dedicated college basketball circles knew what kind of impact the 6-foot-10 Drexel transfer would have on the Wildcats’ program. Now, with the college basketball season behind him and the 2025 NBA Draft fast approaching, Williams stands alone as the only Wildcat featured on CBS Sports’ prestigious NBA Draft big board — ranked at No. 48.

It’s a remarkable rise for a player who quietly dominated the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) for three straight seasons. Williams, a native of Nottingham, England, was largely overlooked coming out of high school and played his college ball far from the bright lights of the SEC. But after years of consistent growth, defensive dominance, and all-around improvement, Williams is finally gaining the national recognition he has long deserved.

From Drexel to the Big Blue Nation

Williams began his college career at Drexel University, where he steadily emerged as one of the most feared defenders in mid-major basketball. Over three seasons, he became the only player in CAA history to win the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year award three consecutive times. Averaging nearly 2.5 blocks per game across his junior and senior seasons, Williams turned heads with his elite rim protection, lateral quickness for a big man, and basketball IQ.

After his junior year, with the NCAA’s transfer portal in full swing, Williams made a bold decision. With one year of eligibility remaining, he entered the portal seeking an opportunity to showcase his talent on a bigger stage. Mark Pope, Kentucky’s newly appointed head coach following John Calipari’s departure to Arkansas, quickly made Williams a top priority.

Pope needed an anchor for his defense — someone who could control the paint, switch onto guards, and lead by example. Williams fit that mold perfectly. “Amari was a must-get for us,” Pope said back in April 2024. “His defensive impact is game-changing. He’s a guy who makes everyone around him better.”

An Impressive 2024–25 Season

Williams did not disappoint in his lone season wearing Kentucky blue. He started all 36 games for the Wildcats, averaging 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 3.2 assists per game — all while shooting an efficient 56.1% from the field. His stat lines were solid, but it was his intangible impact that truly stood out.

Whether it was altering shots at the rim, calling out defensive rotations, or setting bone-crushing screens to free up guards like D.J. Wagner and Rob Dillingham, Williams embraced his role as the team’s defensive heartbeat. He recorded 10 double-doubles and even notched a rare triple-double in a 78–67 win against Ole Miss, tallying 14 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 blocks — a performance that earned him SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

NBA scouts quickly began to take notice. “He’s not flashy, but he’s incredibly effective,” one scout told CBS Sports. “He understands positioning, has quick hands, and competes every possession. That kind of defensive consistency translates to the next level.”

CBS Sports’ Big Board Recognition

In early May 2025, CBS Sports released its updated NBA Draft big board, a list of the top 50 prospects based on input from scouts, analytics, and collegiate performance. Williams was ranked at No. 48 — the only Kentucky Wildcat to appear on the list.

It’s a significant achievement, especially for a player with such a nontraditional path. Kentucky, long known as a pipeline for NBA talent, typically sees multiple players on pre-draft rankings. But in a transitional year under a new coach, Williams’ emergence as the team’s top prospect speaks volumes about his growth and consistency.

His ranking at No. 48 projects him as a potential second-round selection — a slot that could offer both opportunity and challenge. Second-round picks don’t come with guaranteed contracts, but for someone like Williams, that could be a blessing in disguise. “He’s got the kind of mindset teams love,” said ESPN analyst Mike Schmitz. “He’s a grinder. You’re not drafting him to sell tickets; you’re drafting him to win games.”

What NBA Teams See in Amari Williams

Williams’ appeal to NBA teams goes far beyond the box score. At 6’10” with a 7’2” wingspan, he has ideal size for a modern NBA center. He’s agile enough to defend pick-and-roll actions, strong enough to battle in the post, and smart enough to anchor a switching defense. He’s also shown flashes of improved offensive versatility — knocking down the occasional 15-footer and serving as a capable passer from the high post.

During his season with Kentucky, Williams averaged 3.2 assists per game — an unusually high number for a center. Coach Pope utilized him in dribble-handoff sets, allowing him to create opportunities for guards and wings. “Amari’s vision and timing are elite,” Pope said. “He sees the floor like a guard, which is rare for someone his size.”

That passing ability could be his ticket to sticking in the NBA. In a league where big men like Domantas Sabonis and Al Horford thrive in similar roles, Williams’ potential as a connector on offense adds to his draft intrigue.

The G League Elite Camp Invitation

Further validating his professional potential, Williams received an invitation to the 2025 NBA G League Elite Camp, held from May 9–11 in Chicago. The camp, a precursor to the NBA Draft Combine, allows fringe draft prospects to compete in front of NBA scouts and potentially earn an invite to the full Combine.

Williams is using the event as a launching pad. He participated in drills, scrimmages, and interviews with NBA executives, all while showcasing his defensive instincts and growing offensive game. A strong performance could solidify his draft stock and elevate him into early second-round territory.

What Sets Williams Apart in a Crowded Draft Class

This year’s draft class features plenty of raw athleticism and offensive firepower, but few players bring the polished, defensive-minded presence of Williams. Many prospects are seen as “projects,” while Williams is viewed as “plug-and-play” — someone who can step into a rotation and contribute immediately.

He’s also battle-tested. Playing in both the CAA and SEC gave him exposure to a wide variety of playing styles and opponents. From guarding physical post players in the mid-major world to switching onto NBA-caliber guards in SEC play, Williams has proven he can adapt and thrive.

That versatility makes him attractive to playoff-contending teams looking for low-cost depth at the center position. “Every team needs a guy who can defend, rebound, and not need the ball to make an impact,” said former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy. “Amari fits that mold perfectly.”

From Nottingham to the NBA

Williams’ journey from Nottingham, England, to Lexington, Kentucky, and now to the brink of the NBA Draft is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and self-belief. Growing up in England, basketball wasn’t the most prominent sport. But Williams found his love for the game early and committed to making it his path.

He moved to the U.S. in his teens, adjusting to a new culture and higher level of competition. His time at Drexel helped him mature as a player and a person. Now, with an SEC season under his belt and an NBA future within reach, Williams is living proof that the journey matters just as much as the destination.

“I’ve taken the long road,” Williams said in a recent interview. “But I wouldn’t change a thing. Every stop, every challenge has made me who I am.”

What’s Next: NBA Outlook and Potential Fits

As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Williams will continue training, attending workouts, and interviewing with teams. While he’s projected as a second-round pick, several franchises are believed to have him higher on their boards — particularly those with defensive needs.

Potential landing spots include:

• Golden State Warriors: In need of rim protection and unselfish bigs to complement their shooters.
• Miami Heat: Known for valuing defense, grit, and high-character players.
• Boston Celtics: With Al Horford aging, they could use a versatile young big to develop.
• Toronto Raptors: Rebuilding and always looking for international talent and defensive-minded players.

Regardless of where he lands, Williams has the tools to carve out a niche in the league — as a backup center, defensive anchor, and high-IQ presence who can keep the ball moving on offense.

Wildcat Legacy

While Kentucky fans are used to seeing multiple players on draft boards, Williams’ solo presence this year doesn’t diminish his importance. In fact, it highlights just how valuable he was during a transition season for the program.

He embraced the Kentucky culture, served as a mentor to younger players, and helped the Wildcats make a strong push in the SEC tournament. His legacy may not be defined by headlines or stat sheets, but by the culture he helped shape under Coach Pope.

“Amari came in and gave us everything,” Pope said. “He’s the kind of guy you build winning programs around — unselfish, committed, and always team-first.”

Conclusion: A Star in His Role

As the NBA Draft draws near, Amari Williams isn’t the flashiest name on the board. He’s not making mixtapes or trending on social media. But among coaches, scouts, and basketball purists, he’s exactly the kind of player who wins games.

He defends. He rebounds. He passes. And most importantly — he competes.

From Drexel to Kentucky to the NBA, Williams’ rise is a reminder that stardom in basketball isn’t just about scoring points — sometimes, it’s about doing all the little things that lead to victory.

And in that role, Amari Williams is already a star.