Nyah Leveretter is Kentucky WBB's new paint presence
Kentucky’s frontcourt had a mass exodus this offseason. Nonetheless, one promising forward will be back next season: junior forward Nyah Leveretter.
Almost immediately following the end of Kentucky’s season, Dre’una Edwards, Olivia Owens and Treasure Hunt entered the transfer portal. In the blink of an eye, Leveretter transformed from the most inexperienced post player at Kentucky to a key veteran paint presence.
Through sickness and health
Sudden change is nothing new for Leveretter. The 6-foot-3 forward had a tumultuous sophomore season. Due to a non-COVID-related illness, Leveretter missed the first month of Kentucky’s season. Worse, upon her return, she did not play a significant role. In Leveretter’s first seven games back, she never played more than 15 minutes in a game.
Then, Leveretter got her chance. Due to multiple injuries and an Edwards suspension, Leveretter played 30 minutes against Florida on Jan. 20. The lanky sophomore impressed head coach Kyra Elzy. Leveretter continued to find minutes and started the final 10 contests of the season, including Kentucky’s historic SEC Tournament run.
Although Leveretter’s statistics were never fantastic, she had several memorable performances. On Jan. 27, Leveretter recorded a career-high six blocks against Vanderbilt. Just a few weeks later, Leveretter recorded three steals against Alabama.
Room for improvement
Despite Leveretter’s impressive defense, she still has plenty of room to grow on the other end of the court. In her sophomore campaign, Leveretter averaged just 2.2 points per contest and never scored double figures.
Leveretter’s low-scoring totals are not from poor accuracy. Shooting 50% from the field, the Blythewood, S.C., native had the second-highest field-goal percentage on the team. Instead, Leveretter’s lack of scoring is due to a lack of offensive diversity.
Unlike her former fellow teammates, Edwards and Hunt, Leveretter didn’t attempt a single 3-point attempt last season. Further, she rarely attempted a shot outside of the paint. For Leveretter to effectively replace Edwards, she must develop this part of her game.
Leveretter isn’t scared of a challenge.
“Being thrown into the fire is the best way to learn,” Leveretter said after Kentucky’s win over Alabama on Feb. 13.
Where does Leveretter fit in next season?
Elzy believes Leveretter can take the heat. Last season, Leveretter was the only underclassmen Elzy selected to be a part of Kentucky’s leadership academy. Blair Green discussed Elzy’s choice.
“[Nyah] can be a great leader,” Green said last summer during an interview with KSR. “When the seniors are gone next year, she can really step up and be a leader and we don’t really have to start all over.”
Next year is no longer so far away. Leveretter must be a leader for Kentucky in the upcoming season along with veterans such as Green or Robyn Benton. Furthermore, Leveretter will likely play far more minutes than in her first two seasons at UK.
The only other bigs Kentucky currently has for the upcoming season are Buffalo transfer Adebola Adeyeye and incoming freshman Tionna Herron. Leveretter must show her fellow forwards what is expected from a Kentucky big. If Leveretter can meet these goals, her junior campaign will be her best yet.
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