Kentucky WBB plans to speed up pace of play this season

If you like intense play, you’ll love Kentucky Women’s Basketball this season.

The Wildcats’ offseason changes have generated a lot of attention, but their on-court changes will be equally dramatic. Head coach Kyra Elzy and her staff have built a culture around hustle and commitment, and expect it to translate on the court. Perhaps no player embodies this expectation more than sophomore point guard Jada Walker.

Jada Walker is ready to step on the gas

The 5-foot-7 point guard sat down with KSR earlier this month to discuss Kentucky’s plan to emphasize fast-paced play in the upcoming season.

“This team is just gonna come 10 times harder than we did last year, regardless of who we’re playing. They might have more experience. They might be older. But, we’re going to give them a fight,” Walker told KSR.

Walker’s words go hand-in-hand with previous comments from the coaching staff. Specifically, when former Wildcat and current assistant coach Amber Smith was asked if the team plans to speed up play this season, her answer was synonymous with Walker’s.

Returning Kentucky WBB to glory

“That’s definitely the plan,” Smith said in an interview with Sunday Morning Sports Talk on June 26. “We definitely want to get back to how we played when I was here because that’s exciting, getting fans up out of their seats.”

Smith’s time as a player certainly gave fans something to cheer about. Starting at point guard in 109 contests, Smith boosted the ‘Cats to two Elite Eight appearances during her collegiate career. She ranks sixth all-time in assists for the program.

Smith is willing to do whatever it takes to bring Kentucky back to this level of success, even if that includes dusting off her sneakers and teaching the players a few lessons.

“I have to show them every now and then,” she added. “After I do it, I’m down. I’m out of commission for maybe three or four weeks.”

Fresh legs

Jokes aside, UK is more capable than ever to play a run-and-gun style. The team has 10 new players, including six energetic freshmen. The newfound depth is a far cry from last season, when the ‘Cats occasionally took the court unsure whether they’d finish a game with five players.

Walker is thrilled by the prospect of turning up the pressure.

“It really excites me because the way I play on defense is very aggressive and making people want to turn the ball over. So the fact that everyone else wants to do that, it’s really exciting.”