The Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team has made two major additions to its 2025-26 roster with the signings of Tulane guard Kam Williams and Arizona State forward Jayden Quaintance, head coach Mark Pope announced Friday.
Pope praised Williams as a standout shooter and versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions, adding that the young wing possesses untapped athletic potential. Williams is coming off a strong freshman season at Tulane, where he earned American Athletic Conference All-Freshman Team honors after averaging 9.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and shooting over 41% from three-point range. He started 28 of 33 games, recorded 14 double-digit scoring performances, and posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds in a win over East Carolina.
Originally from Lafayette, Louisiana, Williams was a high school standout at Lafayette Christian Academy, where he earned all-state honors and helped his team make deep playoff runs. He also played for Houston Hoops in the Peach Jam, averaging 8.0 points per game.
Quaintance, a 6-foot-9 forward and former five-star recruit, transferred to Kentucky after an impressive freshman season at Arizona State. Despite being just 17 years old, he made a big impact, averaging 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. His defensive presence earned him spots on both the Big 12 All-Freshman and All-Defensive Teams, and he was a Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List honoree.
Quaintance set freshman records at Arizona State for blocked shots and rebounds per game before a torn ACL ended his season in late February. He still managed 11 double-digit scoring games and led his team in rebounds and blocks most nights. A McDonald’s All-American, Quaintance initially committed to Kentucky before briefly switching to ASU amid the coaching change from John Calipari to Mark Pope.
Both players bring three years of eligibility to the Wildcats and are expected to be key contributors as Pope shapes his first Kentucky roster.