Blair Green ready to put on her final show for Kentucky WBB
When fans consider who’s returning to Kentucky Women’s Basketball for the upcoming season, one name may slip their mind. However, to forget Blair Green is to potentially overlook Kentucky’s best remaining player.
Green will be a fifth-year senior for the 2022-2023 season, but not by choice. Green was set for a breakout year in fall 2021, then disaster struck. The 6-foot guard suffered a torn Achilles tendon in a closed preseason scrimmage against Eastern Kentucky University.
Saving the best for last
Nevertheless, it’s critical to remember the few glimpses we did see of Green. In Kentucky’s Blue-White scrimmage on Oct. 24, 2021, Green scored 18 points. After averaging just 6.0 points per game her junior year, Green shot with unmatched confidence.
Green was undoubtedly going to be a starter and a leader for the ‘Cats. While the former was unable to happen, Green used her sidelined season to improve her leadership; a trait that will prove vital with five incoming freshmen. In fact, Green’s leadership earned a new nickname from head coach Kyra Elzy.
“She’s seeing the game from a different perspective. We call her Coach Green,” Elzy said after Kentucky defeated North Alabama on Nov. 11, 2021. “She walks around with a practice plan now. She’s watching film.”
Where Blair Green can step up her game
While Green’s attitude is never in question, she has much to prove about her game. Preseason promises aren’t enough. Green must deliver in-season results.
In her junior campaign, Green averaged 6.0 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game. Additionally, the Harlan County, Ky. native shot 33.3% from beyond the arc while averaging 20.4 minutes per contest. These solid figures aren’t enough for a veteran.
Next season, Green must increase her rebounding prowess. As a solid-sized guard Green needs to more than double her board totals. Kentucky’s second-year strength and conditioning coach Lee Taylor will be pivotal to this change.
Additionally, Green has to increase her assist totals. Nonetheless, her one assist a night may be misleading. In the past, Green has been a spot-up shooter. Her four-year roommate Rhyne Howard consistently drove and found Green for a bucket from deep. With Howard out of the picture, Green must re-envision her role for UK.
How the sharpshooter fits in to Elzy’s plan
Anything short of Green being a top contributor next season will be a surprise. Further, Green will be the team leader. As someone who has experienced multiple eras of Kentucky Women’s Basketball, nobody is more versed than Green to lead the Wildcats’ charge, and her teammates know it.
“[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.”
Green’s leadership and constant support from the bench was enough to help Kentucky secure their first SEC championship since 1982. Perhaps her leadership on the court can lead to even greater outcomes.
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