Mouhamed Dioubate and Kam Williams Sign with Kentucky Basketball
In a significant move for the University of Kentucky’s men’s basketball program, the Wildcats have secured commitments from two highly talented transfers: forward Mouhamed Dioubate from Alabama and guard Kam Williams from Tulane. These signings are part of Coach John Calipari’s ongoing efforts to build a championship-caliber roster by adding key pieces through the transfer portal, bolstering Kentucky’s depth as they look to contend in the upcoming season.
Mouhamed Dioubate: A Versatile Forward with High Upside
Mouhamed Dioubate, a 6-foot-7, 215-pound forward, is entering his junior year and brings significant experience from his time at Alabama. Originally from Queens, New York, Dioubate showed his potential as a force on both ends of the floor in the Southeastern Conference. In the 2024-25 season, Dioubate played a crucial role for the Crimson Tide, averaging 7.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. His field goal percentage of 62.3% and his ability to stretch the floor with a 43.5% shooting clip from beyond the arc make him a versatile asset for Kentucky’s offense.
Known for his strong athleticism and defensive tenacity, Dioubate will add a new dimension to the Wildcats’ frontcourt. His ability to play both as a stretch four and a traditional forward will give Calipari flexibility in his lineups. Kentucky fans can expect Dioubate to contribute immediately, both in scoring and rebounding, and his high basketball IQ should fit well into Kentucky’s fast-paced, high-energy playing style.
Kam Williams: A Skilled Guard with Defensive Potential
Kam Williams, a 6-foot-8 guard from Lafayette Christian Academy, joins the Wildcats after a promising freshman season at Tulane. Known for his strong perimeter shooting and defensive ability, Williams averaged 9.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game for the Green Wave. Williams’ ability to shoot from deep—hitting 41.2% of his three-point attempts—should provide a much-needed boost to Kentucky’s perimeter game.
Williams is a multi-dimensional player who can impact the game on both sides of the floor. His length and size as a guard make him an intriguing option for the Wildcats, who are looking to develop a more balanced attack in the backcourt. Williams’ defensive prowess, combined with his offensive efficiency, should make him a valuable piece in Coach Calipari’s system.
Kentucky’s Transfer Strategy: A New Era of Recruiting
The addition of Dioubate and Williams highlights Kentucky’s growing emphasis on the transfer portal to quickly address roster needs. Calipari, who has built a reputation for developing elite talent through recruiting, is now leveraging the portal to bring in experienced players who can contribute right away. This shift reflects the evolving landscape of college basketball, where transfers have become an increasingly important avenue for teams to retool their rosters.
Kentucky has a long history of success, but with several key departures in recent seasons, Calipari has had to adapt to remain competitive. With these new additions, Kentucky’s lineup for the 2025-26 season is shaping up to be one of the most well-rounded in the country. The combination of Dioubate’s versatility and Williams’ shooting and defense gives the Wildcats a potent one-two punch that will help them contend for an SEC title and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
Looking Ahead
As Kentucky prepares for the 2025-26 season, the signings of Mouhamed Dioubate and Kam Williams are a promising indication of what’s to come. With a mix of experienced transfers and high-level recruits, Coach Calipari is building a roster that can compete at the highest level. For Wildcats fans, the future looks bright, and these two transfers are poised to make a significant impact in the blue and white.
