That’s pretty awesome.
The Kentucky Wildcats picked up a defensive slugfest of a win Tuesday over Western Kentucky, improving to 6-0 on the young season.
With some impressive offensive play from this roster, it might be the defensive end of the floor that has shockingly been a key part of this squad through the early part of the season.
A major reason why? Amari Williams.
A multi-time defensive player of the year during his time at Drexel, Williams is impressing on that end of the floor for the Cats. He is even considered the top defender by Defensive BPR, according to Evan Miyakawa.
Here are the leaders in defensive rating at https://t.co/cegyfz96ax based on Defensive BPR:
1. Amari Williams
2. Johni Broome
3. Kobe Johnson
4. Joseph Tugler
5. Dillon Mitchell
6. Cooper Flagg
7. Cameron Matthews
8. Eric Dailey
9. Hunter Dickinson
10. Felix Okpara— Evan Miyakawa (@EvanMiya) November 27, 2024
The best part about this? Mark Pope thinks Williams will take his game to another level before it’s all said and done.
“Amari would be the first to tell you this wasn’t his best night out, but he got better and better as the game went on, and his physicality took a toll on Western Kentucky. He’s gonna be fun, man. He’s gonna continue to grow.
“I’m telling you, like two months from now, we’re hardly going to recognize him, and he’s been terrific already. He’s been great.”
Imagine Amari Williams being significantly better than he already is. That’s a scary thought for the rest of college basketball.
Overall, Williams has been quite impressive on both ends for Kentucky. With some playmaking abilities being flashed on the offensive end, his money-maker on the court is still on the defensive end. With an absurd defensive rebound rate as well, things are shaping up to be a potentially special season for Williams in Lexington.
It’s still early, but the BBN has to love to see this stat. Going to be fun to watch as the season progresses.
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