Mahaney is a talented guy and will do well at UConn. He's going to be playing with better players and in a program that is doing a fantastic job with player development. The fact Hurley/Staff played him in an NCAA game and felt that he was an important player for them to get speaks to his value as a player/mentality that fits them. Kentucky getting a visit was impressive based on where they were in terms of putting a staff together, having to try and land a visit from him (which they did), etc....but this isn't some devastating loss and neither was McNeely who I never felt they were a serious candidate due to the same reasons. It's okay to tip the cap and move on.
For what Kentucky needs right now/roster wise, Brea would be a bigger filler. Tall/elite shooter.