Five-star recruit AJ Williams, a reported top target for Mark Pope’s Kentucky, put on an impressive 24-point performance this weekend during an exhibition game between Team CP3’s 17U vs. Team Melo. The McDonough, Georgia, native is considered the top recruit in the upcoming class of 2028.
Team Melo would get away with the victory 93-80, but not before Williams recorded 24 points and 10 rebounds for Team CP3. Williams is a small forward who currently plays high school basketball at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy.
He’s being pursued by a plethora of schools, including Kentucky, Indiana, Auburn, Cincinnati, Miami, Maryland, Oregon, Tennessee, Rutgers, Georgia, and Georgia Tech.
AJ Williams on the recruitment process and the possibility of joining Mark Pope’s Kentucky
This Sunday, On3 published an interview with five-star recruit AJ Williams. When asked about how he feels about the possibility of being the undisputed top recruit in the class of 2028, he explained that he isn’t preoccupied with this sort of short-term achievement. In the end, his mind is in the NBA:
“It’s not who’s the best 16-year-old,” Williams said. “It’s about who’s positioned best to get that second NBA contract. It’s a good short-term goal, but I’m focused on the long-term goal.”
He’s the top recruit in the nation for 247Sports, while Rivals.com has him as the second top prospect. Regardless, he’s focused on what’s ahead. He’ll soon jump to U17 basketball:
“I’m just finding my way with this new system and finding my groove,” Williams said. “Going from 16U to 17U, the game is a lot faster and more physical. I’m just getting acclimated this session. That’s my main goal.”
He was also asked about the recruitment opportunities, in particular about the possibility of playing for Mark Pope’s Kentucky. He said the following:
“It’s been a little shaky recently, but over their history, they always produce one-and-dones who go to the league,” Williams said. “That’s really where I want to be.”
He also said that his mind is set on the present, and that he will figure out his next stop towards the end of the summer:
“To be honest, I’m only focused on right now,” Williams said. “My dad always tells me to be where my feet are. I’m going to get to that towards the end of the summer. It depends on how it goes. I don’t have a complete answer right now.”
One thing is certain: he’ll have plenty of offers whenever he decides about his future.
Read more:
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