Kenny Brooks has put together a brilliant offseason heading into his third year in Lexington. The women's basketball program nearly changed when Virginia came calling for Brooks earlier in this very same offseason, but in staying with the blue and white, the Cats coach seems all-in on a winning vision.
On top of promising freshmen Maddyn Greenway and Savvy Swords (as well as the returning Clara Strack), Brooks has put together an impressive transfer portal class full of complimentary pieces and potential primary playmakers.
Among that bunch is UConn transfer forward Ayanna Patterson. A former five-star recruit in her own right, Patterson has dealt with countless injury issues throughout her collegiate career - her first season came in 2022-23, and her second not until 25-26.
But now, according to Coach Brooks, Patterson is "fully healthy" and ready to make an impact in the blue and white. Buckle up, Big Blue Nation, and welcome your newest big to Lexington.
Ayanna Patterson is Back to Full Health
"Ayanna had a storied high school career followed by being a part of a championship culture at UConn," said Brooks, in his official statement on Patterson's signing with Kentucky. "I'm looking forward to seeing her compete at the level that got her recognized as the 4th best player in the country."
"I can't wait to see her flourish in front of BBN. You guys will love AP."
Patterson, regardless of her low statistical averages, has all the intangible tools to break out in the right system. She moves well and gets downhill with ease at 6-foot-2, offering a high efficiency around the rim and the ability to contend with the usual SEC-branded physicality.
Doing the Dirty Work
Under Brooks especially, and running with the aforementioned Strack, Patterson should make for a high-ceilling option in the frontcourt. She should be able to handle much of the grit down low while the Cats' shifty guards provide much of the scoring bulk.
Not to mention her NCAA Tournament experience; in any capacity, that's a valuable asset to bring to a locker room, although it's particularly helpful for a program that's trying to break through the barrier of general relevancy and into a more nationally competitive scene.
BBN, get ready to learn "Patterson in the paint." Coach Brooks can be trusted with big swings like these and, "AP," as he calls her, looks to be exactly the sort of player worth taking a transfer portal chance on.
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