Blair Green finds new role for Kentucky Women’s Basketball
Kentucky Women’s Basketball lost an excellent player in Blair Green this season, but they may have added an even better coach. The senior from Harlan County is out for the season after rupturing her Achilles tendon in a preseason scrimmage against Eastern Kentucky University. While Green may not be on the court, she’s undoubtedly affecting what happens on the hardwood.
Whether she’s helping her roommate Rhyne Howard warmup or advising teammates on the bench, Green is an integral piece for the ‘Cats. Head coach Kyra Elzy is doing everything possible to help “Coach Green” feel welcome in her new position.
Kyra Elzy’s thoughts on Blair Green’s impact to the team
“She’s seeing the game from a different perspective. We call her Coach Green,” Elzy said at the North Alabama post-game press conference. “She walks around with a practice plan now. She’s watching film.”
Green’s positive attitude is as impressive as her coaching abilities. The 6-foot guard was expected to make waves for Kentucky Women’s Basketball this season. In BBN’s quick view of Green, she scored 15 points in the blue-white game and appeared like an obvious leader for the ‘Cats. According to Elzy, the latter is still true.
“[Green’s teammates] have a great respect for her,” Elzy said. “There’s something about a coach telling you something and your peer. She gives them a different perspective. So, we’re counting on her leadership big time.”
Players’ perspective on Coach Green
While coaches don’t always give the most truthful answers in press conferences, Elzy couldn’t be more spot-on this time around. The moment somebody mentioned Green to her teammates, they couldn’t help but crack a smile.
“She definitely be coaching us up and she’ll be letting us know when we’re wrong and when we’re right. She’s there for us,” Star senior Dre’Una Edwards said after dropping 27 points against North Alabama.
Not only does Coach Beezy, as her teammates call her, provide the team with new insight, but inspiration, too. The ‘Cats dropped their smiles for a moment to let the media know just what they’re playing for this season.
“This season is dedicated to Beezy,” Robyn Benton said.
“Right. So, it’s for Beezy this season. We got her,” Edwards added.
Using the motivation on Sunday
The ‘Cats will need all the inspiration they can muster to defeat #8 Indiana on Sunday. The game is the team’s third contest in just six days. With Green being from the bluegrass, it’s only right the ‘Cats defeat Kentucky’s neighboring state to honor her. Tip-off will be in Blooming, Indiana, at 5 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
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