The two-time CAA Defensive Player of the Year visited St. John’s on Monday, but will visit Kentucky this Saturday
It didn’t take long, but Rick Pitino and Mark Pope will have their first recruiting battle as respective coaches of St. John’s and Kentucky, this time for the services of one of the best defensive players in the portal.
Drexel transfer and three-time CAA Defensive Player of the Year Amari Williams cut his list to three schools on Thursday night, which also includes Mississippi State, according to On3’s Joe Tipton.
Williams took an official visit to St. John’s starting on Sunday, April 14, according to On3’s Jamie Shaw. He already visited Mississippi State and will begin his final official visit to Kentucky this Saturday, April 20.
The Nottingham, England native is a defensive force of nature with a 6-foot-10 height and a lengthy 7-foot-5 wingspan. In four years at Drexel, Williams averaged 12.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 0.8 steals while shooting 51.9% from the field, 30.8% from three, and 63.1% from the free throw line.
His rate statistics jump off the page. In each of his four collegiate seasons, Williams had a block rate of 8.3 percent or better. In his last three college seasons, he’s had a rebounding rate of 19.3 percent or better.
Williams projects as a starting center for the Red Storm who would platoon with a backup center, as he only played 22.9 minutes per game last season.
Rick Pitino and his staff are staying in touch with other center options. USC transfer Vince Iwuchukwu completed an official visit earlier this week and they are still in close contact with Rutgers transfer Cliff Omoruyi.