Amari Williams helps Kentucky advance to Sweet 16
British big man Amari Williams has helped lead No. 3 seed Kentucky Wildcats to the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, following victories over 14-seed Troy and 6-seed Illinois.
First Round – Kentucky 76, Troy 57
Williams contributed five points, 13 rebounds, and four assists as Kentucky pulled away from Troy late in the first half. The Wildcats used an 8-0 run to gain separation, with Williams capping the spurt by going coast-to-coast for a dunk.
Amari Williams goes coast to coast for the monster dunk as he finishes with 5 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists to lead Kentucky past Troy in the opening round of #MarchMadness
They will now face Illinois on Sunday in the second round. pic.twitter.com/QLGGHCpUMh
— Hoopsfix (@Hoopsfix) March 22, 2025
Second Round – Kentucky 84, Illinois 75
In Sunday’s second-round win, Williams had eight points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and three blocks, anchoring the team defensively while distributing the ball efficiently from the post. Kentucky led wire-to-wire, with key contributions from Koby Brea (23 points), Otega Oweh (15), and Lamont Butler (14).
Up Next – Sweet 16 vs No. 2 Seed Tennessee
Kentucky (24–11) will face No. 2 seed Tennessee in the Sweet 16 on Friday in Indianapolis. The two SEC rivals have met twice already this season, with Kentucky winning both games — 78–73 in Knoxville (Jan. 28) and 75–64 in Lexington (Feb. 11).
This marks Kentucky’s first Sweet 16 appearance since 2019, and a major milestone for first-year head coach Mark Pope, a member of Kentucky’s 1996 national championship team. Pope took over from John Calipari last April after a first-round exit and a complete roster overhaul that brought in nine transfers, including Williams from Drexel (read a great feature on his journey from the Lexington Herald-Leader, here), where he was three-time Defensive Player of the Year.
The Wildcats have 0 minutes returned from last year, making their run all the more impressive.
Amari Williams does so many vital things for Kentucky.
He's the best defensive rebounder in the country, he's an elite passing big, and he has the best per-possession stats on the team.
He had 8 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks, and a steal today. What a player. pic.twitter.com/6CtGUyjOxc
— Evan Miyakawa (@EvanMiya) March 23, 2025
Williams has been drawing attention for his play on one of basketball’s biggest stages.
“Amari Williams does so many vital things for Kentucky,” analyst Evan Miyakawa said on X.
“He’s the best defensive rebounder in the country, he’s an elite passing big, and he has the best per-possession stats on the team.
“He had 8 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks, and a steal today. What a player.”
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