Kentucky WBB got a glimpse of Teonni Key's potential — it's time for her to take the next step

kentucky-got-glimpse-keys-potential--time-for-her-to-take-next-step — Photo of Teonni Key by Morgan Simmons | UK Athletics

When Kenny Brooks brought in Teonni Key last offseason, it was a move that had some — not all, and probably not even most — but some fans questioning why exactly. In two seasons at North Carolina, Key battled through injury and just couldn’t quite get things going. She averaged just 2.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game as a Tar Heel.

However, the former Top 10 recruit had a new opportunity this past season at Kentucky. It served as a much-needed fresh start, and more importantly, she was able to stay healthy throughout the year.

As a result, Key’s production catapulted as she put up 11.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game, starting in each of Kentucky’s 31 games it played.

Key had some big-time performances, the first of which came against No. 18 Louisville. She put up 17 points, nine rebounds and five blocks in 71-61 overtime win. She would follow that game up by scoring in double figures in nine of the next 10 games.

Some of her best efforts came in losses, like against Texas A&M when Key put up a career-high 20 points. In the season-ending loss to Kansas State, she had 13 points, 15 rebounds, three blocks and two steals. The 6-foot-4 forward was often the reason Kentucky was in some of those games.

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Heading into next season, it’s time for Key to take the next game. She was pretty good as a junior, but she can be great as a senior.

Key will almost certainly maintain her starting role on next year’s squad, and other than Clara Strack, she’s the most productive player that Kentucky will be returning. Key has the potential to be an All-SEC-caliber player next season.

The clearest thing that she needs to work on is her consistency from three-point range. She shot just 24.4% from deep this past year, but if she can get that north of 30%, then she’ll be dangerous. It seems pretty likely that Key could be a 15-point, 10-rebound per game-type player this season.

That would be huge for a team that is losing some major production.