KSR's reaction to Kentucky WBB losing three starters
Not even a whole week after their season came to a close, Kentucky Women’s Basketball is on code red.
On Friday, the program announced Dre’Una Edwards, Jazmine Massengill and Treasure Hunt have entered the transfer portal. The weight of such a loss can’t be overstated. Massengill and Hunt were consistent starters for Kentucky. Edwards was UK’s second-leading scorer and top rebounder.
A significant loss in production
There’s more to this move than surface-level statistics. Edwards will undeniably be the team’s most significant loss. The 6-foot-2 forward averaged 16.8 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Moreover, Edwards was critical in Kentucky’s SEC Tournament run, hitting the legendary game-winner to defeat No. 1 South Carolina.
Who made the shot heard ’round the SEC possible? Massengill. The 6-foot senior was Kentucky’s assists leader, contributing 7.0 points and 4.7 assists per contest. Worse, Massengill was the Wildcats’ vocal leader. Elzy emphasized Massengill’s importance repeatedly this season.
“[Massengill] is the coach on the floor,” Elzy said during a press conference on March 1.
Hunt is the only underclassman leaving Elzy’s program. The 6-foot-1 forward averaged 6.9 points and 4.6 boards per outing. Hunt was a five-star recruit when she joined Kentucky. Although Hunt didn’t always meet expectations, she found her rhythm late this season. In the SEC Tournament, Hunt shot 6-15 (40%) from beyond the arc.
Along with Rhyne Howard, her and the three transfers were responsible for more than 70% of Kentucky’s offensive production in 2021-22. The ‘Cats are in worse shape than ever, but how did they get here?
Why are the transfers leaving Kentucky WBB?
While I won’t act like I know all the factors in the transfers’ decisions, there are some clear motives behind their offseason moves. Edwards may have finished the season as Kentucky’s hero, but her image wasn’t always so shiny.
Elzy suspended Edwards from the team twice this season. First, Edwards didn’t play on Dec. 9, 2021, due to a failure to uphold the academic standards of the team. Next, Edwards missed four games in January due to disciplinary matters. Admittedly, Edwards and Elzy didn’t always get along.
“[Coach Elzy and I] had bumped heads a little bit. We had some up-and-downs for sure,” Edwards said after Kentucky defeated South Carolina in the conference championship.
Elzy confirmed Edwards’ statement.
“We did hit heads early on,” Elzy said.
Perhaps winning isn’t the cure for all problems. Of course, not all transfers can be traced to off-court issues. Massengill and Elzy seemed to have an excellent relationship. However, Massengill couldn’t produce offensively at point guard the same way freshman Jada Walker could.
At only 5-foot-7, Walker averaged 10.4 points per game in her rookie campaign. Massengill has never averaged more than seven points per contest. The math adds to one solution: Walker is Kentucky’s future at the point guard position.
Massengill wouldn’t stick around to see this vision. Overall, Massengill and Edwards’ decision to leave Kentucky makes a bit more sense. The same can’t be said for Hunt’s sudden choice.
Hunt started all but one game this season. With Howard leaving, Hunt’s role would only seemingly grow for the ‘Cats in the coming years. Nonetheless, she’s gone.
More answers to this confusing situation will undoubtedly be revealed as the offseason progresses. Nevertheless, Kentucky has one certainty on its hands: they need help.
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