Kentucky's frontcourt finds energy from Kyra Elzy challenge

On3 imageby:Grant Grubbs01/29/23

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You can’t chase a goal until there is one. Kentucky’s frontcourt players are chasing their goals.

UK’s bigs were pivotal in the team’s 77-54 win against Missouri on Sunday. Starting center Nyah Leveretter dropped eight points and six rebounds while shooting 3-5 from the field. Off the bench, Adebola Adeyeye added six points and three boards, as well.

Head coach Kyra Elzy gave her bigs a tangible goal, making all the difference.

“The focus for us has just been to be active on the boards. [Elzy] tells us 12 points and then 15 rebounds as a group,” Leveretter said during the postgame press conference.

While Kentucky’s post players didn’t accomplish Elzy’s goal against Missouri, they came close. That’s progress. That’s what Elzy is all about. The progress started in Kentucky’s loss against Auburn on Jan. 26.

In the three-point defeat, Leveretter recorded five points and 11 rebounds. Adyeye trailed just behind, contributing six points and six boards. The biggest difference for the bigs? Confidence.

“It’s just the mentality. We didn’t understand before how much we affect the game too. Actually meeting with the team, coaches, position groups, we understand we’re valuable. We are here to do what we need to do and produce in order for this team to change their route and win games,” Leveretter said after UK’s win on Sunday.

Elzy didn’t only ensure her bigs were confident. She ensured her team was confident in them.

“I stood in front of the team and said ‘This is the group you need. They do the dirty work.’ I’m so proud of them,” Elzy said.

The seemingly small gesture has led to significant change. Before Jan. 26, Leveretter had not scored more than five points or grabbed more than nine rebounds in an SEC game. Adeyeye had scored over five points once.

With a goal in front of them, the bigs will only get better. They’re certainly focused.

“Our guards get a lot of the attention, a lot of the points, but we’ve got to understand that we have to contribute too,” Leveretter said. “That will help the team goal of winning for the team when we really put our heads down and focus on that.

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2024-03-27