In a remarkable NCAA Tournament second-round victory over Illinois, Kentucky’s center, Amari Williams, delivered an outstanding performance, recording eight points, ten rebounds, six assists, and three blocks. The secret behind his success? A nostalgic breakfast choice from his homeland: Weetabix.
Williams, hailing from Nottingham, England, grew up eating Weetabix, a whole-grain wheat cereal popular in the UK. Before Kentucky’s first-round game against Troy, Williams had a modest breakfast of four pieces of toast, which the coaching staff deemed insufficient. Inquiring about his usual morning meal, head coach Mark Pope learned of Williams’ preference for Weetabix.
Determined to accommodate their player’s dietary habits, Kentucky’s director of basketball administration, Will Barton, located an international food store in Milwaukee that stocked Weetabix.
On the morning of the Illinois game, Williams enjoyed three biscuits of Weetabix, accompanied by Coach Pope and teammate Brandon Garrison.
Describing the experience, Pope admitted initial skepticism due to the cereal’s plain appearance.
However, he discovered that crumbling the biscuits, adding warm milk—a method new to him—and a touch of sugar transformed the meal into a delightful experience. He humorously noted that his wife, Lee Anne, would disapprove if he added more than one packet of sugar.
Williams, initially ambivalent about the cereal he was often forced to eat during childhood, echoed his coach’s sentiments. He acknowledged that Weetabix “definitely tastes amazing” and provides sustained energy throughout the day.
The positive outcome of incorporating Weetabix into the pre-game routine has led to lighthearted plans for the team’s future meals. Coach Pope jested about implementing mandatory team breakfasts featuring Weetabix in the upcoming week.
This unique breakfast anecdote underscores the importance of personalized nutrition in athletic performance.
By acknowledging and adapting to Williams’ dietary preferences, the Kentucky coaching staff not only honored his cultural background but also contributed to his on-court success. As the Wildcats advance in the tournament, perhaps Weetabix will become a staple in their pre-game rituals, symbolizing the blend of tradition and performance.
