One incoming, three departing Wildcats make ESPN's WBB Top-25 transfer rankings

When the hiring of Kenny Brooks took place, we knew he’d be able to bring over talent from Virginia Tech. He’s already brought in five players and recruits who were either about to go to Virginia Tech or were already there. But again, we knew that would happen.

The more uncertain part was if he’d be able to hit the transfer portal hard and make some splashes. If you’re worried about how Brooks will do with other players in the portal, let someone connected to Virginia Tech put you at ease.

“He’s always done well in the portal,” KSR was told. “Tech’s Final Four team had a six-player rotation: three players who came to VT out of HS, three transfers. It’s not like he’s hitting on every single one, simply because there are some that are just bound to not work, but the players he’s added over the years, even dating back to his early days, were always solid. He and his staff have always been able to identify a need and how best to fill it, even if that means going the JUCO route.”

Now, Georgia Amoore may have been a former Hokie, but she was quite literally the best of the best in the transfer portal. Now, she’s coming to Lexington. She isn’t the only ‘Cat (or former ‘Cat) to be highly sought out in the portal, either.

ESPN released its Top-25 transfer portal rankings, and the list has several UK players.

1. Georgia Amoore (Virginia Tech to Kentucky)

Yup. Georgia Amoore, the AP All-American and 2x All-ACC selectee is ESPN’s top transfer. Pretty nice landing the best transfer in the country after the disaster of last season.

Excited to see what Amoore does for Kentucky next year.

16. Ajae Petty (Kentucky to Ohio State)

The now Buckeye is the second-highest-rated SEC forward that is (or, was) in the transfer portal. Former Aggie Janiah Barker gets to claim that title, coming in at No. 9.

Ajae Petty will now be a key contributor on a team that will almost certainly be a top-10 squad in every preseason poll.

20. Maddie Scherr (Kentucky to ?)

Here, we have the only player still undecided on where she’ll go in Maddie Scherr. A return to Kentucky is still on the table for her, but I wouldn’t necessarily expect her to come back to Lexington.

Scherr, according to Skim Milkey (just roll with it), is scheduled to visit Iowa on Thursday. Maybe the Hawkeyes will have a new 22 in town.

21. Eniya Russell (Kentucky to Mississippi State)

Sam Purcell and the Bulldogs got a good one. While Eniya Russell was really hot and cold last season, she showed some serious potential. She’s got a clutch gene, that’s for sure.

Not looking forward to Russell lighting UK up in Memorial Coliseum this fall.

Honorable Mention: Teonni Key (UNC to Kentucky)

Back to a player who is coming to Kentucky, Teonni Key just missed the cut on ESPN’s list, but she did make the “Honorable Mentions” list.

Key was the No. 9 recruit in the 2021 class (ESPN), and she’ll bring a lot of potential to Kenny Brooks and Kentucky this season. Hopefully, some more names from that list wind up in Kentucky blue when it’s all said and done.