St. John's is no longer finalist for Amari Williams

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Nov 14, 2021; Syracuse, New York, USA; Drexel Dragons forward Amari Williams (22) drives to the basket against the defense of Syracuse Orange center Frank Anselem (left) during the first half at the Carrier Dome. (Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports)

St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino quickly came out with some public support after former player Mark Pope was named the new head men’s basketball coach at Kentucky. Since that time, we’ve heard some talk about a home-and-home series being scheduled between the Big East and SEC programs. But before they meet on the hardwood, a transfer portal recruiting battle occurred between Pope and Pitino.

The Big Blue appears to have the upper hand. St. John’s is now out of this recruiting race just two days after Drexel transfer Amari Williams cut his list to three schools. Things can happen quickly in college basketball recruiting.

Jeff Goodman is reporting that it is now a two-horse race for Amari Williams.

Drexel transfer Amari Williams will choose from Kentucky and Mississippi State, source told @TheFieldOf68.

St. John’s is out of the mix now.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 20, 2024

We have a Kentucky vs. Mississippi State battle remaining for Williams.

The three-time CAA Defensive Player of the Year is currently in Lexington finishing off his official visit with the Wildcats. On Saturday, Pope took Amari Williams to Keeneland for a day at the races. Kentucky appears to be in the driver’s seat in this battle with a final decision from Williams expected sooner rather than later.

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In his final season with the Dragons, Williams averaged 12.2 points on 51.7 percent shooting in 22.9 minutes per game. According to KenPom, Williams finished in the top 100 nationally in offensive rebounding percentage (65th), defensive rebound percentage (28th), block percentage (39th), and fouls drawn rate (23rd). The five-man is a true defensive center that can anchor a defense and clean the glass on both ends. However, the scoring numbers were also very efficient without any three-point shooting. Williams was a productive paint scorer and is a no doubt high-level power conference starter.

Former BYU signee Collin Chandler and Kentucky Mr. Basketball Travis Perry are the only scholarship players on Kentucky’s roster. Could Amari Williams join them? The Cats appear to be in great shape in this portal recruitment.