Kenny Brooks wants to take Kentucky WBB to their first Final Four

On the What’s Next Podcast, Kenny Brooks talked about a number of things from his life outside of basketball, the new and improved Memorial Coliseum, and he even touched on his time at Virginia Tech.

In Blacksburg, Brooks posted an overall record of 180-82. Two years ago, Virginia Tech won the ACC Tournament, and the following season, they were crowned ACC Regular Season Champions. In 2022-23, the Hokies won a program-record 31 games, reaching the Final Four for the first time ever in that season as well.

Needless to say, Brooks saw a ton of success at Virginia Tech. That’s why this was considered such a good hire on Mitch Barnhart and UK’s part. However, Brooks doesn’t want to leave the success behind.

To be specific, Brooks wants to get back to the Final Four and compete for a national title, both of which would be firsts in the history of Kentucky women’s basketball.

“I loved my time at Virginia Tech,” Brooks explained. “I wasn’t looking to move. We had built something that was very, very special there. This opportunity presented itself. I think with any competitor, you want to be able to have the best resources to allow yourself to compete for the big, big prize.”

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He added, “I was at a mid-major my start, and we were just trying to make a name for ourselves. We got to Virginia Tech, and we were still trying to make a name for ourselves. We got a taste of the big-time — we went to the Final Four. We came very, very close, and once you get that taste, you want to be able to put yourself in position to achieve that every year. So, when the Kentucky opportunity presented itself, it’s Kentucky. It’s a blue blood.”

Now that Brooks has been to a Final Four, that has opened up opportunities for him on the recruiting trail as well. He believes that if he can continue to recruit at a high level at Kentucky, then the program can reach championship-caliber status.

“One of the things that I’m realizing off the bat, based off the reputation we have coming from Virginia Tech, couple that with the reputation of Kentucky, we’re getting into a lot of doors, into a lot of homes. We feel like if we can continue to make those strides, we can build a contender. I just want to win and compete at the highest level, and [Kentucky] gave me that opportunity.”