3 Takeaways from Kentucky WBB Blue-White Game
On Friday, I proposed three questions ahead of the Kentucky Women’s Basketball’s Blue-White Game. Today, the ‘Cats answered those questions.
On Saturday morning, Kentucky WBB held its annual season preview event at Memorial Coliseum. The game was more than just a scrimmage, though. There was a player Q&A, autograph signing session, and trivia contests.
Despite the surrounding antics, one thing loomed on everything’s mind: the Blue-White Game. When it finally came, it delivered. Here’s what we learned.
Who will be the team leader?
Perhaps I overthought this one. In my previous article, I stated there were more than five people who could be the top dog on this year’s team. After Saturday’s scrimmage, Blair Green and Jada Walker look like the obvious frontrunners.
In the contest, Green led all scorers with 32 points while shooting a ridiculous 14-18 from the field and 4-7 from beyond the arc. Walker didn’t trail far behind, recording 23 points on 9-14 shooting from the field and a perfect 3-3 from downtown.
The dynamic duo should have been an obvious choice to be the team’s leaders from the jump. After all, they have the most legitimate experience in Kentucky Blue. Walker is the only player returning from last season who averaged double-digit point totals. Green is a fifth-year Wildcat who has played legitimate minutes since she was a freshman.
The pair’s experience proved deadly. The White Team had no answer for Walker’s lightning-fast left-hand drives. Just when they’d finally step in front of her, she’d kick it out to Green for an automatic three points. Other players may step up this year but Walker and Green will be this team’s foundation.
Is Kentucky WBB playing with speed?
In short, yes. Is it always pretty? No.
For most of the contest, both teams utilized a fullcourt press, breathing down the offense’s neck for 92 feet. With quick guards like Walker, Cassidy Rowe, Saniah Tyler and Kennedy Cambridge, the ‘Cats never ran out of fresh legs.
However, they did come up short in experienced playmaking. While many of these players forced turnovers, they rarely knew what to do with the ball once they had possession. The two teams combined for 20 steals but even more unforced turnovers.
In fairness, these early kinks are expected. With six freshmen, the ‘Cats are young and still adapting to the rocketing pace of college basketball. Rest assured, head coach Kyra Elzy will do everything in her power to acclimate her team.
“This is our competitive spirit. Their willingness to work,” Elzy said about her team on Saturday. “We’re trying to press. We’re trying to push up-tempo. You have to have a different mentality in order to do that.”
Who will be the primary post presence?
While the other questions were immediately answered on Saturday, this question remains a mystery. In one way, the lack of a clearly superior post player is concerning. In another way, it’s exciting. All of Kentucky’s competing bigs showed glimpses of greatness.
On the White Team, Ajae Petty and Zennia Thomas were impressive. Standing at 6-foot-3 with bodybuilder arms, Petty brings a strength to the paint nobody else on the team can. The LSU transfer dropped 11 points and four rebounds while shooting 5-9 from the field.
Zennia Thomas’ performance was equally encouraging. The 6-foot-2 versatile forward showed off rare playmaking skills and a deep knowledge of the game. Thomas finished the game with nine points and eight rebounds.
The Blue Team’s bigs were just as stellar. Nyah Leveretter started for the squad and ended the contest with three points and seven rebounds. But Leveretter shined on defense, recording two blocks, the most of any big.
Finally, Buffalo transfer Adebola Adeyeye showed unmatched toughness, putting up seven points and nine rebounds. While not always the smoothest, Adeyeye was a clear vocal leader and led with experience.
Although this question isn’t answered completely yet, it will be soon, and any other questions fans may have. Kentucky Women’s Basketball’s first exhibition against Pikeville is only 11 days away. The team will take on the Lady Bears on Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. in Memorial Coliseum.
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