Kenny Brooks has done wonders in just two years in Lexington, essentially reviving the blue and white women's basketball program upon arrival. Brooks' Wildcats have been ranked every week that he's been the head coach (yes, really), and it doesn't look like that momentum is going to slow anytime soon.
On3's Talia Goodman is currently releasing her women's college basketball top 10, and Kentucky finds itself right on the edge in a spot that fans may not have even been able to imagine just a few years ago.
Kenny Brooks and the Cats are No. 9 in the nation, according to Goodman. Look how far we've come, Big Blue Nation.
Next in the unveiling of @On3’s WBB Preseason Top 25…
— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) June 17, 2026
#9: Kentucky Wildcats
I break down the expected roster, keys to success, areas of focus and more.
Plus, insight on the roster from head coach Kenny Brooks.
READ (+): https://t.co/QhIPEqqI3i pic.twitter.com/0UCqk4HJ7l
Kenny Brooks' Roster Rebuild is Paying Off
Coming off a Sweet 16 appearance last season, Kentucky lost a lot of experience in this offseason. Teonni Key, Amelia Hassett, Jordan Obi, Tonie Morgan, and Josie Gilvin (who is seeking a waiver for another year) graduated.
Lexi Blue, Kaelyn Carroll, and Elsa Vadfors left via the portal. That means Kentucky returned just four players, and only two that played serious minutes (Clara Strack and Asia Boone). Gabby Brooks is Kenny's daughter and saw only limited minutes, while Dominika Paurová is battling back after another torn ACL.
Brooks, then, had to go to work on the recruiting trail, and work he did. The Cats landed three McDonald's All-Americans in Saavy Swords, Emily McDonald, and Maddyn Greenway. Brooks also brought in Ayanna Patterson from UCONN, Diana Collins from Alabama, and Me'Arah O'Neal, Shaq's daughter, from Florida.
He then tied a bow on the roster with modern Kentucky legend Georgia Amoore's little sister, Jemma, and a Euro prospect and former WNBA draft pick in Ajsa Sivka.
Persevering Through NIL Changes
That team is just 12 deep, like due to NIL chantes meaning there are fewer and fewer developmental scholarships given to players. Teams have to be cautious with how they spend now, and it results in thinner rotations such as these. But clearly, that hasn't stopped Brooks from assembling a dangerous squad.
Nearly every player on this roster can take and make outside shots. You have three instant impact playmakers coming in as freshmen that, given quick development, will be dangerous as a trio. This could be the best women's basketball has been in Lexington since head coach Matthew Mitchell took them to two straight Elite Eight's back in 2012.
Kenny Brooks is rolling on the highest level, and if you aren't on the bandwagon yet, hop on. Our coach won't settle for anything less than winning the whole thing.
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