Kam Williams settling into his role, but Mark Pope wants more

On the same day Kentucky basketball played Tennessee in the Sweet 16 this past March, they landed a commit in the transfer portal in Kam Williams from Tulane. A sharpshooter with the Green Wave last season, Williams initially struggled through the Wildcats’ exhibition games and first couple of regular-season matchups.

However, a five-point performance at Louisville on Tuesday, which included a 3-pointer, may have put him on track to become the player Kentucky fans believe he can be.

Williams spoke after Kentucky’s 99-53 victory over Eastern Illinois on Friday night about the role he envisions for himself this season.

“Make 3s and play defense. If I’m not hitting 3s, do something else,” Williams said. “I can’t really be upset when I’m missing shots, because I can contribute in other ways on defense. I can still bring energy.”

On Friday night, Williams made two 3-pointers while also contributing two rebounds, an assist, and a steal. For the season, he has accumulated 13 points and 12 rebounds. He is shooting 5-for-12 from the field, including 3-for-10 from beyond the arc, but has been hotter recently — going 3-for-5 from deep over his last two games.

Head coach Mark Pope shared that he hoped the team would be further along in terms of defining their identity at this point in the season. Regarding Pope’s comments on players embracing their “special sauce” and unique skill sets to love their game, Williams responded:

“Really just staying in myself, not trying to do anything outside of what I was brought here for,” he said. “Everybody has a role. NBA players have a role. Trying to step out of your role is where mistakes and accidents happen.”

Following Kentucky’s loss to Louisville, Pope expressed pride in Williams’ effort and emphasized his hopes for the sophomore’s continued improvement.

“I have the same conversation with Kam every single day, and that is about him being more aggressive, more assertive, and more physical,” Pope said.

With Jaland Lowe out, Kentucky will undoubtedly need Williams to step up as the season progresses.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/kam-williams-settling-role-mark-110900367.html