Kentucky embraces championship aspirations in year two under Kenny Brooks: "That's the goal."

Kenny Brooks added two five-star commitments in the class of 2026 before many programs have picked up their first pledges — only three top-20 prospects are off the board overall and a pair are accounted for, thanks to Kentucky. No. 9 overall prospect Maddyn Greenway was the first in November, followed by No. 11 overall Savvy Swords in June.

Those commitments come on the heels of a 23-win season in Brooks’ first year in Lexington, the Wildcats ranked from start to finish while earning a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Bringing back the likes of Clara Strack, Teonni Key and Amelia Hassett for what is expected to be another fun year, the future is bright at Kentucky.

“I think it’s really cool to see two great commits, them coming next year. It’s just exciting,” Hassett said on WLAP’s Sunday Morning Sports Talk. “It does a lot for the program, obviously, knowing that it was the first year that Coach Brooks was here, and then seeing it evolve so quickly is just really exciting to see. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Kentucky basketball.”

The difference from last year to 2025-26 for the Wildcats? Depth. Kentucky had talent, but injuries forced Brooks to tighten the rotation — and it didn’t help that Hassett quietly battled walking pneumonia down the stretch.

Two key players are back from injury, along with the other new additions and returning pieces. Losing Georgia Amoore hurts, obviously, but it’s a strong core elsewhere with more juice to expand the bench.

“The most exciting thing is the depth that we have this year. Obviously having — Jordan (Obi) and (Dominika Paurová) being injured last year, and them coming back, and then a few freshmen coming in, all the transfers coming, as well, I think I’m just excited to see how we gel together — especially because the core of us came back,” Hassett said. “Having that connection, having that bond, and the new people fitting right in so easily, it’s just exciting to see how it’ll all work out.”

It’s a versatile, talented, deep group — with a lot of shooting help, starting with Hassett.

Even if she’s not willing to admit personally she’s the best on the team.

“I think we have a lot of good shooters, so I feel like all of us together — we can be the best shooter as a team. The best team shooting,” she said. “… Just the versatility, being excited to watch our depth and be a team that plays together. Growing from last season, really. Let’s see what happens.”

How good can they be? Championship good? Sky is the limit.

“That’s the goal,” she said. “After every practice, we come in and we say, ‘SEC champs on three.’ So it’s being spoken out loud.”

Music to BBN’s ears.