The Development of Williams.

[ArtLaibsGhost]

Can anyone think of another UK center that has improved so much DURING the season as Williams. I know I underestimated that it might take a center a while to figure out a new offense and learn his role on a brand new team. What I have witnessed his last 2 games is awe inspiring. He input up obscene numbers the last 2 games. Doesn't even look like the same guy I saw against UL

 

[sambowieshin]

Pope has done a fantastic job with all of them. Every player has improved aspects of their game under his coaching this year. Four year player's development will be a joy to watch.

 

[kywildcatsfannumber1]

The last center for UK that I can remember drastically improving in-season was Harrellson in 2011. Pope said in the postgame radio show that Amari Williams is the all-time leader in PRA (Points, Rebounds, Assists) per 40 minutes in the history of SEC Basketball right now. Other two Wildcats up there, Cousins and Oscar.

 

[crestcat]

the difference is amazing

 

[know1]

I don't think he's really improved that much, though. I thought he was a beast right from the start. He just went through a low effort period there for a bit, but he's back to looking like he did early now

 

[jeffky]

Amari actually went to his right and made a right hand layup .the defender was mesmerized by this move kudos to Amari and coach pope big improvement . Hit all his free throws too tonight . I only wish he would have done that the other night in Austin, but hands to the plow and move forward .

 

[drew_ukfan]

The loss of PG’s and putting the ball in his hands has been great for him. Even if Butler comes back, Williams is playing with confidence and can do it all out there. He really rose to the challenge

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

Williams last night had one play where the Vanderbilt big looked like he was going to (do what we have seen all season) i.e. bang into his chest then spin by him, and instead Amari slid his feet and played it PERFECTLY.

I actually stood up and cheered!

 

[BBNinSC]

He’s making free throws as well now.

 

[G-PIP]

I don't think he's really improved that much, though. I thought he was a beast right from the start. He just went through a low effort period there for a bit, but he's back to looking like he did early now

I get the effort take, although there could have been some "figuring stuff out" related to that perception too. But the offense, FT shooting and even the ball handling have noticeably improved to my eye.

 

[Whoppercat]

I don't think he's really improved that much, though. I thought he was a beast right from the start. He just went through a low effort period there for a bit, but he's back to looking like he did early now

Technicality. His PERFORMANCE has improved hugely.

 

[Deli owl]

Jorts

 

[thebluestripes]

Keep making those free throws big feller

 

[Big BlueBeard]

Nick Richards.

 

[catfan220]

I don't think he's really improved that much, though. I thought he was a beast right from the start. He just went through a low effort period there for a bit, but he's back to looking like he did early now

He’s definitely learned the offense better, but a big piece is his confidence is up. I think the effort problems were mostly low confidence problems for a while there. One mistake would get in his head and he’d recede for 5 mins. He seems to be past that.

Also adapting to the SEC vs the level of effort and consistency he needed at Drexel.

 

[NerlensCat]

It seems he has found a way to drop the emotional baggage. He is way better at keeping the energy high and not letting small things that don’t go his/our way to drag him down like he did the first half of the year. He has always had this when he plays with intensity. Happy for him and UK.

 

[MegaBlue05]

I just want to commend Amari for really stepping his game up when injuries decimated our backcourt. Having a big who can bring the ball up the court when needed is a nice luxury (that injury forced to become a necessity).

 

[wardlow]

These guys are a TEAM and I love it

 

[jwphelps]

Can anyone think of another UK center that has improved so much DURING the season as Williams. I know I underestimated that it might take a center a while to figure out a new offense and learn his role on a brand new team. What I have witnessed his last 2 games is awe inspiring. He input up obscene numbers the last 2 games. Doesn't even look like the same guy I saw against UL

I think it took him some time to understand how to play in a physical SEC.

 

[will1976]

Marquis Estill. He came along wonderfully during his Junior year. Only wish he could have came back for his Senior season.

 

[BBNinSC]

Marquis Estill. He came along wonderfully during his Junior year. Only wish he could have came back for his Senior season.

I believe he got every tip to start the game that season.

 

[katwest]

At some point in the season Amari decided he wasn’t going to be punked or pushed around, and he hasn’t. When he wants something, he will get it, he is a man down low on the boards and around the rim offensively. He knows now nobody can stop him, something he didn’t realize coming into the season.

 

[kywildcats8]

Is there a better big man, starting center in the nation??

 

[Soupbean]

All Williams needed to be better was #1 Effort and Attitude and #2 Find his right hand.

On #1 he clearly has started to realize that just by his energy he can change himself and he can change our team. He is just an athletic freak with so much physical ability all he needed was to realize that. Early on he didnt and played like he was a timid, skinny 6-2 guard. Now he realized he's the beast on the court that nobody can stop if he plays that way.

On #2 we've all been clamouring for him to learn any other move than just trying to jockey close enough to turn over his right shoulder to score. Well last night he seemed to have found his right hand with a spin and score once and a pivot to score on another occasion. If he adds a drop step or up and under now we may have a weapon that can take us deeper than we all thought!

 

[CrustyCat]

Can anyone think of another UK center that has improved so much DURING the season as Williams. I know I underestimated that it might take a center a while to figure out a new offense and learn his role on a brand new team. What I have witnessed his last 2 games is awe inspiring. He input up obscene numbers the last 2 games. Doesn't even look like the same guy I saw against UL

If you're old enough, it's hard for anyone to beat this guy's story (Nazr Mohammed):

 

[CastleRubric]

Nick Richards.

Jamaal Magliore

 

[crawfords corner]

Confidence is a hell of a drug. From Drexel to UK's schedule is quite a daunting and drastic change. I think for a bit of time there he just got emotionally worn down as teams adjusted to how UK was using him. Started to struggle and doubt himself. He showed resolve, worked hard, and now that doubt is gone. Now, basketball Gods, let us get 100% healthy.

 

[screwduke1]

You can probably make a strong case that he is the best player on the team right now. Pretty wild considering not that long ago a lot of fans were trashing him.

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

Hunter McClintock.

 

[FtWorthCat]

Jorts under Cal made incredible improvement.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Jorts

Him, estill, magoide, Mohammad, richards immediately come to mind.

Can anyone think of another UK center that has improved so much DURING the season as Williams. I know I underestimated that it might take a center a while to figure out a new offense and learn his role on a brand new team. What I have witnessed his last 2 games is awe inspiring. He input up obscene numbers the last 2 games. Doesn't even look like the same guy I saw against UL

Imo a big reason for his improved play is he is way more locked in when he's effectively playing pg.