New coaches, new transfers and a new atmosphere can quickly recap the outlook of the upcoming season for Kentucky women’s basketball.
As the offseason talks of this program “turning itself upside down” come to a close, expectations are starting to take place.
To some, it may seem unfair to put the Wildcats so high on a pedestal, forcing another unrealistic ultimatum on a Kentucky basketball team.
This roster is filled with younger players such as Lexi Blue, who shined in high school and may look to assert a role early in the season, along with star transfers with the likes of Amelia Hassett, who may have to adjust to a certain leadership role as a junior.
However, the upperclassmen expressed confidence in the capabilities of the team and have no doubt that they can compete with anyone, anytime, on any given night.
“I’m an experienced player, so I’ve been through a lot of adversity and things like that,” redshirt senior Dazia Lawrence said. “Being able to lead the younger players on this team, having that positive mindset and just whatever they need, I wanna be that outlet for them and lead them in ways I know I can.”
Graduate student Georgia Amoore, transferring alongside head coach Kenny Brooks from Virginia Tech, also respected the conference she’s joined and is excited to pressure herself and the team.
“It’s a great challenge — I love a good challenge — and, in terms of where I see this team, we’re all gonna buy in,” Amoore said. “We’re gonna develop this program to take it to new levels it’s never seen before, but it’s also the hardest conference in America, so it’s gonna be a good challenge.”
Amoore’s words ring true as the SEC is jam-packed, led by South Carolina, which is fresh off of a national championship, and the Texas Longhorns, who are looking to make a splash in the first season in the conference with their dangerous backcourt.
Beyond those two, the LSU Tigers, led by Flau’jae Johnson, are also still contenders despite the departure of Angel Reese.
Alabama, Oklahoma and Ole Miss also have their key players returning for another season, with Kentucky facing those squads in the middle of conference play.
With the season rapidly approaching, the Wildcats received a No. 22 ranking in the debut 2024-25 AP Top 25 poll.
There are certainly big shoes to fill for the Wildcats this season, but if the beliefs of the veterans are anything to go by, they are up for the challenge.
