Kentucky WBB's sneakily spectacular freshmen class

With the addition of four promising transfers this offseason, Kentucky Women’s Basketball’s freshmen class is flying under the radar. Don’t let them fly under yours.

An accomplished crew

Head coach Kyra Elzy has six incoming freshmen, the most in the past decade. The class includes Tionna Herron, Kennedy Cambridge, Cassidy Rowe, Amiya Jenkins, Saniah Tyler and Zennia Thomas. If the names are too much to remember, just know it’s a lot of talent.

Amid the soon-to-be Wildcats, there are four four-star prospects, according to ESPN.com. Additionally, the group includes three state champions, three 1,000-point scorers and countless other accolades. The massive class is a change of pace for Elzy.

A Kentucky WBB freshmen history lesson

Last season, Kentucky only had one rookie: Jada Walker. Nonetheless, Elzy didn’t allow Walker’s talents to slip through the cracks. The 5-foot-7 point guard was instrumental in Kentucky’s SEC Tournament run and will be Kentucky’s leading scorer returning from last year’s team.

Now armed with six exciting young prospects, Elzy will look to repeat this success story. However, it won’t be easy. The 2022 freshmen class’ size is unprecedented. In the past five years, the only class that was remotely similar in scope was the 2017 freshmen class.

The group included Tatyana Wyatt, Kameron Roach, Keke McKinney and Dorie Harrison, all of which eventually transferred from Kentucky. The ‘Cats can’t afford for this history to repeat itself. So, what will be different this time?

Endless opportunity

For starters, the freshmen’s fellow Wildcats don’t have much more experience than them. Walker, Blair Green, Robyn Benton, Nyah Leveretter and Robyn Benton have all been contributors but never the stars of the show. Furthermore, most of Kentucky’s transfers are heading to Lexington due to a lack of minutes elsewhere.

Blair, Robyn, Emma, Nyah, and Jada… THANK YOU. You ladies have demonstrated what it means to #CommitToIt💫 and exemplify what it means to be a WILDCAT! I am blessed to coach and lead you. I appreciate your hard work, dedication, and your loyalty. You are truly #BUILTDIFFERENT💯 pic.twitter.com/MGAH3bcikr

— Kyra Elzy (@UKCoachLZ) May 16, 2022

Kentucky’s freshmen aren’t beginning their journey in rocky territory. In reality, their starting line is on even ground and the path to success is wide open. With the loss of starters Rhyne Howard, Dre’una Edwards, Treasure Hunt and Jazmine Massengill, minutes are up for grabs.

The ‘Cats’ upcoming season isn’t as predictable as in past years and it shouldn’t be. Kentucky Women’s Basketball has entered a new time — the Post-Howard Era. Fortunately, new times bring new opportunities. If BBN is lucky, Kentucky’s unparalleled freshmen class will bring about unparalleled success.