Don't count out Jazmine Massengill playing this season just yet...

A fan-“favorite” of the Big Blue Nation, The Stadium’s Jeff Goodman brought to light some potentially massive news for Kentucky Women’s Basketball.

Last week on Dec. 2, Goodman reported that “the basketball oversight committee expected to recommend that the NCAA allow ALL transfers to get waiver to play this season.” The proposed plan would be presented to the Division I Council, who next meets on Dec. 16, however, Goodman says that it could be voted on before that date.

Sources: The basketball oversight committee expected to recommend that the NCAA allow ALL transfers to get waiver to play this season. This would be proposed to the D-1 Council — which next meets on Dec. 16. There is a chance it could be voted on prior to the 16th.

LONG OVERDUE

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) December 3, 2020

You probably know where I’m going with the rest of this article: Jazmine Massengill, who transferred to Kentucky in April after leaving the Tennessee program following two productive seasons, could theoretically receive an immediate eligibility waiver to play right away in the not-too-distant future. Long overdue or not (it is very much long overdue), her presence could make an already dangerous Wildcat team that much more intimidating.

How often does a team gain a player with two years of starting experience at one of the most prestigious SEC Women’s Basketball schools of all-time? Not only is Massengill a 6-foot point guard who can score, rebound, run the offense, and play defense, she has a special on-court connection with Rhyne Howard and Treasure Hunt going back to their high school and AAU days. She posted averages of 6.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game as a sophomore at UT, starting 30 of the 31 games she appeared in. Out of high school, Massengill was a five-star recruit and a consensus top-overall prospect before suiting up for the Volunteers.

Kentucky is coming off a massive statement win in a top 15 matchup against the Indiana Hoosiers, just one game after earning a road win against Kansas State in what was the team’s first true test of the year. UK had to pull off an improbable comeback to take down IU and were on the ropes against K-State until the 4th quarter, but nevertheless, the Wildcats came away unscathed with a perfect 4-0 record and plenty of momentum going forward. Adding in Massengill, who has been practicing and participating in all of the basketball-related activities her teammates have been, would add another layer to this incredibly versatile lineup. She’s talented enough to step in and command 20-plus minutes the moment she’s declared eligible.

Two weeks ago, I had every reason to believe that Massengill would not play this season, especially with the season in flux, but Goodman’s news has changed the entire playing field. “ALL transfers” would get the waiver to play this season and we have no reason to believe that Massengill would not be included in that. Kentucky will play three games through Dec. 16, the date Goodman suggests the committee could vote on the new plan; Marshall (Dec. 9), Samford (Dec. 13), and a top 25 matchup against No. 24 DePaul (Dec. 16).

The sooner Massengill could receive her waiver, the better, but the Kentucky coaching staff will take her whenever they can get her. Don’t count her out just yet…