The Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team is adding talent to its 2025–26 roster with the official signings of two promising young players: Kam Williams, a guard from Tulane, and Jayden Quaintance, a forward who spent his freshman season at Arizona State. Head coach Mark Pope shared the news on Friday, expressing excitement about what both athletes will bring to the team.
Kam Williams had an impressive freshman season at Tulane, earning a spot on the American Athletic Conference All-Freshman Team. The 6-foot-8 wing from Lafayette, Louisiana, averaged 9.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game. He started 28 of the 33 games he played and displayed efficient shooting, hitting 42.2% from the field, 41.2% from three-point range, and 78.6% from the free-throw line. Known for his defensive versatility and elite shooting, Williams brings both skill and athleticism to the Wildcats.
Coach Pope praised Williams as a “beautiful kid” and highlighted his strengths as both a shooter and a lockdown defender capable of guarding multiple positions. Pope also mentioned that Williams has “untapped athleticism” that could lead to significant development in the coming seasons.
Williams’ freshman year featured several standout performances, including a 24-point outing against UAB where he hit six three-pointers, and a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds in a win over East Carolina. Other highlights include a 15-point perfect shooting night against Temple, a 16-point game in the AAC Tournament against Memphis, and 19 points versus Dillard. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor makes him a valuable asset moving forward.
Joining Williams is Jayden Quaintance, a 6-foot-9 forward and 17-year-old phenom who played last season with Arizona State. Despite his youth, Quaintance has already made waves with his explosive athleticism and advanced basketball IQ. Coach Pope described him as a “bright kid” who is only beginning to tap into his potential and is already impressing fans in more ways than one—including dominating them at chess.
Both Williams and Quaintance have three years of eligibility left and are expected to play significant roles as Kentucky reshapes its roster. With these two additions, Coach Pope is signaling a strong future for the Wildcats, blending experience, youth, and high-ceiling talent.
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