Kentucky fans have reason to get excited — sophomore wing Kam Williams is officially out of his boot and making progress on his road to returning this season. Mark Pope shared the encouraging update Wednesday night on his radio show, revealing that Williams was even taking stationary shots at the Joe Craft Center.
“Kam is out of his boot, and he was actually on the court today shooting, like, four-foot shots, stationary,” Pope said. “I don’t know if that was legal, but he is eager, eager to get back.
Williams’ injury had sidelined him for a significant portion of the season, leaving the Wildcats to navigate a challenging stretch without one of their most versatile wings. The sophomore had been averaging 6.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game across 19 contests, shooting 44.9% from the field, 34.8% from three, and an impressive 95% from the free-throw line. His ability to stretch the floor and contribute on both ends of the court has been missed, especially as Kentucky faces a series of tough SEC matchups down the stretch.
Despite the positive update, Pope is cautious about setting expectations too high. With only three regular-season games remaining — against Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, and Florida — plus the SEC and NCAA Tournaments looming, the timeline is tight.
“We’re optimistic, because we’re always optimistic. The timeline is tight, but there’s a real chance that, if the season extends long enough, he can come back and help us. We’re excited for that to happen,” Pope said.
Williams is currently focusing on low-intensity work, like short-range stationary shots, but the energy and determination are clear. Pope noted that the sophomore is eager to do whatever it takes to help the team, even if it’s just contributing in a limited role down the stretch.
For Kentucky, Williams’ potential return couldn’t come at a more critical time. The Wildcats are fighting to secure momentum heading into March, and the addition of an experienced, skilled wing could provide a spark — both on the scoreboard and in team morale.
While Williams may not immediately return to his peak form, his presence alone could be enough to give the Wildcats an added edge during the final SEC games and into the NCAA Tournament. Pope remains realistic but hopeful, underscoring the importance of patience and proper rehab.
Big Blue Nation will now watch closely, hoping that Williams’ comeback aligns perfectly with Kentucky’s push in March, potentially making the Wildcats’ postseason run even wilder than anticipated.
