Kentucky’s injury luck took another painful turn Wednesday night — even as the Wildcats kept their winning streak alive.
Sophomore wing Kam Williams suffered a broken foot during the second half of Kentucky’s home win over Texas at Rupp Arena, head coach Mark Pope confirmed after the game. The injury adds to a growing list of health setbacks for a Kentucky team already operating shorthanded.
Williams was injured early in the second half while jogging back on defense, appearing to land awkwardly on his left leg. He remained on the floor briefly, noticeably limping through a defensive possession before Pope called a timeout. Williams exited the game and went straight to the locker room, never returning to the bench.
After the game, Pope revealed the diagnosis and didn’t hide his disappointment.
“He’s just a beautiful kid,” Pope said. “I thought he actually made some special plays tonight. We’re going to get him healthy as soon as we can, but he’ll be out for a while. It’s certainly a blow to us.”
Before the injury, Williams had nine points in 16 minutes, continuing to provide a spark on both ends of the floor. The sophomore has played in all 19 games this season, starting seven times — including three straight games during Kentucky’s current four-game winning streak.
Williams’ absence was felt emotionally as well as on the court.
“It’s super unfortunate,” senior guard Otega Oweh said. “That’s part of the game, but it’s tough. He was waiting for us in the locker room just to encourage us.”
Junior forward Mo Dioubate, who said he’s particularly close with Williams, echoed that sentiment.
“It was sad, especially for me,” Dioubate said. “But he wasn’t as down, and that helped the vibe. We know Kam is going to get right. He’s a soldier.”
Entering the Texas game, Williams was averaging 6.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game, while shooting 34.3% from three-point range, giving Kentucky reliable perimeter shooting and defensive versatility.
The injury further complicates an already difficult situation for the Wildcats. Jaland Lowe is out for the season following shoulder surgery, Jayden Quaintance missed his fourth straight game while managing swelling in his surgically repaired knee, and Kentucky plans to redshirt Reece Potter and Braydon Hawthorne.
Now, despite continued on-court success, Kentucky must once again adjust its rotation — this time without one of its key wings — as the Wildcats try to push forward through yet another injury setback.
