I’m really proud of Kam. Being new to the program, he’s come in and embraced everything we’ve asked of him. It’s something special when you coach a player who doesn’t hesitate—when you say, “We need you to do this,” and he just goes out and does it without question.

I’m really proud of Kam. For someone new to the program, the way he’s stepped in and made such a strong impression says everything you need to know about his character, his work ethic, and his mindset. It’s not easy walking into a new environment—new teammates, new coaches, a new system, and expectations that are sky-high from the moment you arrive. But Kam hasn’t just adjusted to all that. He’s embraced it. He’s leaned into the challenge. And from day one, he’s shown everyone around him that he belongs here—not just as a player, but as a competitor, a teammate, and a leader.

When you coach as long as I have, you learn to appreciate the rare qualities that separate certain players from the rest. One of those qualities is the ability to respond immediately and decisively when called upon. And that’s Kam. He’s that guy. You can tell him, “We need you to do this,” and there’s no second-guessing. There’s no hesitation. He just does it. He takes ownership of it, like it’s second nature. That kind of responsiveness—especially from someone so new to the program—is not just impressive, it’s rare. And it speaks volumes about who he is.

Kam didn’t come into this with a sense of entitlement. He didn’t walk through the door expecting anything to be handed to him. He understood that in this program, everything is earned. Respect, trust, minutes on the court—all of it. And that’s exactly how he approached it. Every rep in practice, every drill, every team meeting—he’s been locked in. He asks questions. He listens. He learns. And more than anything, he competes. Every single day, Kam shows up with an attitude that says, “Whatever the team needs, I’m ready.” That kind of mentality is contagious. It lifts everyone around him.

I’ve seen a lot of talented players come and go over the years, but what separates Kam is his ability to combine that talent with discipline, focus, and an unshakable commitment to team success. It’s not just about how many points he scores or how flashy he looks on the floor. It’s about doing the little things. It’s about making the extra pass, diving for a loose ball, locking in on defense when we need a stop. Kam does those things without being asked. And that’s the kind of player who becomes invaluable to a team.

When you look at the great teams—championship-caliber teams—they always have guys like Kam. Guys who understand that winning isn’t about individual accolades or stats, but about doing your job and doing it well, consistently. Kam has bought into that from the start. And that buy-in has made a massive difference, not just for him, but for the entire locker room. His presence has elevated the standard. When other guys see how hard he works, how much he cares, how coachable he is—it pushes them to raise their level, too. That’s leadership, even if it’s not always vocal. That’s leading by example.

And to think—he’s only just getting started. That’s the part that excites me the most. We haven’t even scratched the surface of what Kam is capable of. The growth he’s shown in just a short time is incredible, and it’s a direct result of his mindset. He’s not satisfied. He’s not content with just being “good enough.” He wants more. He wants to get better. He wants to help this program win at the highest level. And every day, he’s putting in the work to make that happen.

I remember one moment in particular that really stuck with me. We were running a tough practice—one of those grind-it-out days where everyone’s tired, legs are heavy, energy starts to dip. And I pulled Kam aside and said, “We need you to bring us some juice. Set the tone.” Without saying a word, he nodded and got right back on the court. Next possession, he locked up his man on defense, forced a turnover, sprinted the floor, and finished strong at the rim. That play shifted the whole energy of practice. His teammates fed off it. Coaches noticed it. That’s what I mean when I say he just gets it. He understands what’s needed, and he delivers.

Those are the moments that define players. Not always the ones on the biggest stage in front of a packed arena, but the ones behind the scenes—when no one’s watching but your teammates and your coaches. Kam wins those moments. And when you stack enough of those moments together, you build something special. You build trust. You build chemistry. You build a foundation that holds up when the pressure hits.

It’s easy to talk about potential, and Kam has a ton of it. But what makes him different is his ability to turn that potential into production. He doesn’t just have the tools—he uses them. And he’s not afraid to be held accountable, either. That’s something I respect a lot. If he makes a mistake, he owns it. If there’s something he can improve, he wants to know. He doesn’t shy away from criticism—he welcomes it, because he knows it’s part of the process. That maturity, especially in a new player, is something you don’t see every day.

As a coach, you’re always looking for players who can be pillars of your program—not just this season, but for the long haul. Guys you can count on when things get tough. Guys who set the standard. Kam is becoming that guy. And I have no doubt that as he continues to grow, he’ll take on an even bigger role, both on the court and in the locker room. He’s got the tools. He’s got the mentality. And he’s earning the respect of everyone around him.

What I love most, though, is that Kam doesn’t get caught up in the noise. He’s not chasing attention or trying to prove people wrong. He’s focused on the work. He’s focused on being the best teammate, the best competitor, and the best version of himself every single day. And when you stack days like that—when you show up consistently with that kind of purpose—that’s when special things happen. That’s when individual success and team success go hand in hand.

Kam’s journey is just beginning, but already, he’s writing a story that’s worth paying attention to. He’s setting the tone, raising the bar, and earning everything he gets. And as his coach, there’s nothing more rewarding than watching that kind of growth unfold. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s earned. Every rep. Every possession. Every step forward.

So yeah—I’m really proud of Kam. Not just because of what he’s done so far, but because of who he is and how he’s gone about it. In a world where people often look for shortcuts or recognition before the work is done, Kam has taken the opposite approach. He’s put his head down, bought into the process, and let his actions speak for themselves. And around here, that matters. That means something.

He’s come in, made his mark, and proved that he’s not just here to fit in—he’s here to lead, to grow, and to help this program chase greatness. That’s the kind of guy you want in your locker room. That’s the kind of guy you build around. And every day, Kam shows us exactly why.