Amari Williams, the towering center for the Kentucky Wildcats, has made a name for himself on the court but his journey began with the support of his parents, Sharon and Gerry Williams.
His parents are immensely proud of his journey from his early days to his current success as a standout center for the Kentucky Wildcats.
Highlights
- Throughout his journey from England to the USA, Amari has credited his parents, Sharon and Gerry Williams, for their support.
- Amari Williams delivered an outstanding performance against Vanderbilt, scoring 17 points with a perfect shooting record.
- Amari became the first Division I or NBA player to record 15+ points, 4+ blocks, no fouls, and 100% FG and FT shooting.
Standing at 7 feet tall, Amari is known for his impressive defensive skills and scoring ability.
Williams is recognized for his shot-blocking and rebounding prowess, and he has been a key player for Kentucky during the 2024-25 season.
More recently, he played a pivotal role in Kentucky’s 82-61 victory over Vanderbilt with his outstanding performance.
His journey from England to the NCAA and now to Kentucky highlights his dedication and passion for the game.
Moreover, his parents have been incredibly supportive and vocal about their pride in his achievements.
Amari Moved From England To The USA To Pursue His Dreams Of Playing In The NCAA
Amari grew up in Nottingham, England, where he developed an interest in basketball and began playing at a young age.
He started playing at Myerscough College in England, but after dreaming of playing on a greater stage, he moved to the United States to play in the NCAA.
He spent four years at Drexel University, where he earned multiple accolades, including being named to the All-CAA First Team and CAA Defensive Player of the Year twice.
Williams transferred to the University of Kentucky for his final year of eligibility, where his performance has been significantly contributing to the team’s success.
Recently, Amari Williams delivered an outstanding performance against Vanderbilt, further elevating his impressive stats.
Amari Williams of @KentuckyMBB is the first Division I or NBA player to have a game with:
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) February 20, 2025
15+ points
4+ blocks
100% FG shooting
100% FT shooting
0 fouls
…since Pau Gasol did it for the Lakers on November 21, 2010. pic.twitter.com/WGbHetinKR
He scored 17 points, hitting all six of his field-goal attempts and all five of his free throws, achieving a rare perfect shooting performance.
Moreover, he also contributed six rebounds and four blocked shots, showcasing his defensive prowess.
Moreover, Amari became the first Division I or NBA player to record a game with at least 15 points, 4 blocks, no fouls, and 100% shooting from both the field and the free-throw line.
The most recent player to achieve this record was Pau Gasol, who set it for the Lakers in 2010.
Furthermore, Amari is also the only D1 men’s basketball player since the 1974-75 season to average 19+ points per 40 minutes, 16+ rebounds per 40 minutes, and 5+ assists per 40 minutes while playing over 20 minutes per game.
Amari Grew Up In A Supportive Household Alongside His Brother, Hakim
Amari’s parents, Sharon and Gerry Williams, and brother, Hakim have been incredibly supportive throughout his basketball journey.
Since his childhood in England and his move to the United States to pursue his dream, his parents have always been there for him.
Here's a complete list of D1 Men's Basketball players since at least 1974-75 to average 19+ points/40, 16+ rebounds/40, 5+ assists/40, and 20+ minutes/G:
— WT – Lamont Enthusiast (@WildcatsTongue) February 19, 2025
🔹Amari Williams (2024-25) – Kentucky
That's it. pic.twitter.com/gFeBdoeeJ8
Amari has frequently credited his parents for his success, expressing deep gratitude for their encouragement and guidance.
However, both of his parents lead low-key lives and prefer to stay out of the public eye. They still reside in England.
As Amari continues to grow and achieve new heights in his career, he makes his parents proud every day.
Additional Information
- Williams grew up in Nottingham, England and initially attended Trinity School, Nottingham.
- He was named the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Defensive Player of the Year and third-team all-conference as a sophomore at Drexel Dragons.
- Williams has represented Great Britain in international competitions at the under-16, under-18, and under-20 level.
