Get to know LSU transfer, Ajae Petty
Ajae Petty will join the long list of Kentucky newcomers this offseason.
On Monday, the LSU sophomore announced she will be transferring to Kentucky. Petty will be the ninth newcomer next season, joining two other transfers and six freshmen. Head coach Kyra Elzy hasn’t been fishing this offseason, she’s been catching. Elzy was ecstatic about her most recent catch.
“Ajae is an extremely talented interior player that we are happy to have join our program,” Elzy said in a press release. “She was a player that we evaluated and recruited out of high school.”
Always been on Kentucky’s radar
Similar to fellow transfer Eniya Russell, Petty is a Baltimore native who Kentucky recruited while in high school. The 6-foot-3 forward was dominant during her senior year and led her team to a 22-1 record before her season was cut short by COVID.
Despite her excellent performance during the school year, Petty truly picked up steam while on the AAU circuit. Petty was the best big and No. 16 overall player in the nation according to Next Sports Phenom Class of 2020 Top 100 ranking.
Ajae Petty’s time at LSU
Petty’s success slowed at LSU. In her two seasons with the Tigers, Petty never averaged more than three points and three rebounds per game. Moreover, Petty didn’t average more than six minutes per outing last season. Petty isn’t perfect but she does have promise.
On Dec. 27, 2021, Petty dropped a career-high 12 points against Samford, shooting 5-6 from the field. On Dec. 12, 2021, Petty recorded a career-high six boards against Texas Southern. What do these two standout performances have in common? They were the only two contests Petty played more than 10 minutes last season.
For this reason and more, Elzy is confident in Petty’s ability.
“[Petty’s] size, athleticism and physicality are something we needed to add to the roster. She has veteran experience in our league, which will allow her the opportunity to flourish in our system,” Elzy said.
Looking forward for Petty
Petty is exactly what Elzy’s system needed. After Dre’una Edwards and Olivia Owens transferred this offseason, Kentucky was desperate for more frontcourt players. Petty is the final puzzle piece to help resolve this concerning issue. The 6-foot-3 talent will provide immediate contributions to the ‘Cats.
Elzy can’t wait to add another stroke to her offseason masterpiece.
“I cannot wait to get her on campus this summer and get to work,” Elzy said.
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