Kentucky women's basketball legend Valerie Still praises hiring of Kenny Brooks

When you think of Kentucky women’s basketball, what comes to mind?

Deep runs in March with Matthew Mitchell? The underwhelming tenure of Kyra Elzy? Or, how about those elite teams from the early 1980s? You know, the teams led by Patty Jo Hedges-Ward, Lea Wise Prewitt, all-time great Valerie Still, and more. Highlighted by a 1982 SEC championship, those were the glory days of Kentucky women’s basketball.

Of course, when you have Valerie Still leading the way, winning is practically a given. Still leads Kentucky basketball (men’s or women’s) in points scored (2,763) and total rebounds (1,525). As someone who would probably be unanimously voted as the GOAT of Kentucky women’s basketball, her opinion of the program has a bit more validity to it.

On Thursday, Still talked with KSR, speaking on what she thought of the Kenny Brooks hire. Brooks was announced as the program’s new head coach this week after an excellent eight-season run at Virginia Tech. In short, she had high praise for the ninth coach in program history.

“It just feels so good,” Still told KSR. “We can exhale and let him do what he does best! I can’t wait to welcome him in person. I think he is what the Big Blue Nation has been looking for.”

During his introductory press conference, Kenny Brooks brought up his former head coach at James Madison, Hall of Famer Lefty Driesell. Brooks spoke fondly of what Driesell taught him, and that stuck with Still. It turns out the she also has a connection to Driesell.

“It was great hearing him talk about Lefty Driesell,” Still noted. “My oldest brother, James Still, was recruited by and played for Lefty at Maryland in the 1970s, and Coach Driesell was an amazing coach and person. Listening to Kenny talk about him brought back fond memories.”

After doing some reminiscing, Still proceeded to talk more about Brooks and what he could do at Kentucky with the fanbase on his side.

“Now, Big Blue Nation has to support him and allow him the space and time needed to get this program from the bottom to the top. In a year or two, when we’re back on top, we’ll be like Drake, singing ‘started from the bottom now we’re here’!”

Still was very adamant about the idea that anyone can enjoy the women’s team — not just women. She even encouraged long-standing fans of the men’s team (who may be a bit down right now) to join the fandom.

“I welcome any disgruntled UK men’s basketball true blue fans to join us for the return of the Lady Kats,” Still said. “Those championship nets are gender-neutral! Can’t wait to get back to Memorial Coliseum this fall for that first home game! GO BIG BLUE!”

Clearly, Still is very excited about what’s to come, like a lot of folks are. In no time, the new and improved Memorial Coliseum will be rocking as Kenny Brooks makes his Kentucky debut.