Kentucky Basketball Hires Mo Williams as Assistant Coach

Former NBA All-Star and Mississippi Mr. Basketball joins Mark Pope's staff

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:55pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of blue, gold, and black representing the dynamic energy of the sport.The addition of former NBA All-Star Mo Williams to Kentucky's coaching staff brings a new level of experience and energy to the Wildcats' program.Jackson Today

Kentucky Basketball has officially hired Mo Williams as an assistant coach, the school announced on Monday. Williams, a former NBA All-Star and Mississippi Mr. Basketball, brings a wealth of experience and success to the Wildcats' coaching staff. He spent the last four seasons as the head coach at Jackson State, where he led the Tigers to the 2025 SWAC Championship game and a quarterfinal appearance in 2026.

Why it matters

The addition of Mo Williams to Kentucky's coaching staff is seen as a major coup for head coach Mark Pope. Williams' pedigree as a former NBA player and successful college coach will provide valuable mentorship and guidance to the Wildcats' players as they look to compete at the highest level.

The details

Williams was a member of the 2016 NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers and earned an All-Star nod in 2009. Over his 13-year NBA career, he averaged 13.2 points, 4.9 assists, and 0.9 steals per game. As a college coach, Williams led Jackson State to a 47-25 overall record in league play, including two SWAC Player of the Year honorees and a SWAC Defensive Player of the Year. He was also inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2025.

  • Williams was hired by Kentucky on April 13, 2026.
  • He spent the previous four seasons as the head coach at Jackson State.

The players

Mo Williams

A former NBA All-Star and Mississippi Mr. Basketball who has been hired as an assistant coach for the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team.

Mark Pope

The head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team who hired Mo Williams as an assistant coach.

Daeshun Ruffin

The SWAC Player of the Year and HBCU National Player of the Year who played for Mo Williams at Jackson State.

Ken Evans

The SWAC Defensive Player of the Year who played for Mo Williams at Jackson State.

Dorian McMillan

The SWAC Freshman of the Year who played for Mo Williams at Jackson State.

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What they’re saying

“Mo brings a level of toughness, experience, and authenticity that our players will immediately connect with. He's been where they want to go, and he understands what it takes to get there. Beyond that, he's a teacher of the game and a hard-nose competitor. I'm excited to have him and can't wait to see the impact he'll have on our program.”

— Mark Pope, Kentucky Basketball Head Coach

“I am excited to be joining the Big Blue Nation family. I couldn't ask for a better opportunity, and I'm extremely grateful.”

— Mo Williams

What’s next

Williams will begin his duties with the Kentucky Wildcats immediately, joining the coaching staff as they prepare for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

The hiring of Mo Williams as an assistant coach for the Kentucky Wildcats is a significant addition to the program. Williams' wealth of experience as both an NBA player and successful college coach will provide valuable leadership and mentorship to the Wildcats' players as they strive to compete at the highest level.