After a slow start to transfer portal season - a fate both the men's and women's program seem to have suffered this time around - Kenny Brooks and Kentucky have started to pick up steam. After securing former five-star recruit Ayanna Patterson over the weekend, the staff have turned around and added another quality piece just days later.
In a late-night pledge, former Alabama guard Diana Collins has committed to Kentucky, per Talia Goodman. BBN, welcome our newest Wildcat!
Collins, entering her senior season, is set to bring a well-rounded game to a growingly promising Kentucky team. Kenny Brooks' third year is shaping up to be potentially his best yet and, in Collins specifically, his backcourt should receive a noticeable facelift.
Bolstering Kentucky's Backcourt
In her junior campaign with the Crimson Tide, Collins averaged 8.4 points, three rebounds and 2.4 assists, playing consistent, impactful minutes in a role that should translate well to Lexington. Her 45.8%/39.8% shooting split is particularly compelling, as Collins has the offensive tools to end up being one of Kentucky's go-to scorers on multiple levels.
She's quick, scores efficiently, and has ample experience competing in the SEC. This is a textbook transfer win, if you ask me.
Collins also showed out in Alabama's only two NCAA Tournament games this year, posting 16 and 14 points respectively, with her field goal percentage remaining north of 60% in both contests. While not the biggest name in the cycle, Collins was bound to make a sneaky impact wherever she ended up.
The BBN should be thrilled that Collins will rock the blue and white in the 2026-27 season. Coach Brooks is making a strong impression this offseason, with both Patterson and Collins committing, and should have ample momentum to keep moving.
The Cats Continue to Build
Collins and Patterson join the likes of Clara Strack and Maddyn Greenway on a roster that, while severely overhauled, appears to be building promise with every subsequent snag. After being rumored to potentially leave Lexington for the Virginia job, Brooks has proven to Cats fans that his loyalties aren't unfounded; the coach is hard at work for the blue and white.
And his Kentucky team certainly isn't done in regards to the portal, either. A few more solid additions like Collins later and the 2026-27 Wildcats could string together a truly memorable season at Memorial Coliseum.
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