Kentucky Basketball Signs NBA Champion’s Son, HBCU Coach

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 30, 2026 2:29 PM ET

Kentucky has added Mason Williams, a four-star guard in the 2026 class. He announced his commitment following a recent visit to Lexington.

Player profile

Williams is a 6-foot-2, 185-pound point guard from Tennessee Collegiate Academy. He is ranked just outside the top 100 nationally.

Filmogaz.com lists him as a top-15 point guard in the cycle. He is the No. 3 overall prospect in Tennessee.

Williams held offers from Ole Miss, Memphis, Washington, and Texas Tech. He chose an SEC program after weighing several Power Five options.

He initially committed to Jackson State to play for his father. He de-committed from JSU in December.

Mason is the son of Mo Williams, a former Alabama standout and NBA champion. Mo is now the head coach at Jackson State.

Mo Williams began his head coaching career at Alabama State in the SWAC. He has compiled a 56-74 record in four seasons at JSU.

Jackson State finished 12-21 this season. The Tigers went 47-25 in SWAC play during Mo Williams’ tenure.

Mason’s older brother, Mike, spent his freshman year at Jackson State. He was a three-star prospect who averaged 5.5 points.

Mike shot 25.5 percent from the field as a freshman. Mason likely would have been a day-one starter at JSU.

The commitment blends pedigree and high-level recruiting interest. Headlines will frame it as Kentucky Basketball Signs NBA Champion’s Son.

The decision also involves questions about HBCU coach recruiting and program building. Mason opted for the blue and white of Kentucky instead.