From the UK — and UK — to the NBA: Amari Williams is headed to the pros.
The Orlando Magic picked Williams, Kentucky basketball‘s starting center last season, in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft on Thursday night. He reportedly is on the move to the Boston Celtics as part of a trade deal.
Williams went 46th overall. He was the second ex-Wildcat to hear his name announced Thursday; guard Koby Brea went off the board at No. 41 to the Golden State Warriors — and immediately was dealt to the Phoenix Suns in a trade.
Hailing from Nottingham, England, Williams was part of UK’s first team under coach Mark Pope.
Here’s what to know about Williams, the Wildcats‘ newest NBA draftee:
Amari Williams Kentucky stats, highlights
Williams had been a top-flight defender at his former school, Drexel. As a member of the Dragons, he won the Coastal Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year Award three seasons in a row. He also led the CAA in blocks per game each of those seasons.
Williams carried that form over to the SEC, as he was Kentucky’s top shot blocker last season, averaging 1.2 rejections per contest. In addition, he was the team’s top rebounder (8.5 per game).
But he also regularly showcased versatility that belied his 7-foot frame.
Averaging north of three assists per game, he was No. 3 on the team in that category behind point guards Lamont Butler and Kerr Kriisa.
Williams’ most noteworthy performance was in a loss at Ole Miss in February, recording only the fourth triple-double in Kentucky’s illustrious history.
Amari Williams recruiting ranking out of high school, as transfer portal entrant
As an international prospect, Williams was not evaluated by any of the major recruiting services prior to his freshman season of college.
Upon entering the transfer portal in 2024, however, Williams was graded as a four-star prospect by 247Sports and On3.
Amari Williams height, weight
Per Kentucky’s official 2023-24 roster, Williams was 7 foot and 262 pounds.
Amari Williams comparison in NBA
NBAdraft.net wrote that Williams’ best pro comp is Aron Baynes.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: NBA draft: Amari Williams trade deal Orlando Magic to Boston Celtics