Both Mark Pope and Kenny Brooks are busily navigating this year's transfer portal class, each working to fill gaps as a result of players leaving en masse. Each are met with their own unique challenges and, for both, the expectations rise steadily following each and every season. For the latter specifically, retaining Clara Strack was a crucial element for the Cats' success going forward.
Although Strack, as much a star as she may be, can't carry the weight of a team all by herself. That's why Brooks has enlisted the help of two top-20 recruits to help her push the Wildcats over the line in the 2026-27 season.
It's hard to see a team change almost entirely in one offseason from a fan's perspective, but in last night's Nike Hoop Summit, both Maddyn Greenway and Savvy Swords - playing for the United States and the World Select Team, respectively - went out of their way to quiet any doubts.
Easing the Minds of BBN
Combining for 25 points in a comforting showcase on the national stage, the one-two punch of big-shot scorers made their presences safely known, even as the United States ran away with the final score to a tally of 104-77.
The former, Greenway, put up 11 points (good for third highest on the team) on an extremely efficient 3-5 shooting metric from long range. She was also a menace on defense, stacking up a ludicrous four steals. That statistic especially should make her right at home in the SEC.
Swords, on the other hand, eclipsed Greenway's point total on less notable shooting. Her own total was 14, although she made just four shots on 15 attempts. Even so, her 2-6 clip from deep looks much more promising, and she also managed three rebounds, two steals, and a block to boot.
It was an impressive showing from both former Cats who, when combined, should make the most of the way each play together. We should be thrilled, Kentucky fans. Kenny Brooks is a few role-filling transfer grabs away from lighting a properly dangerous torch.
Playing Better Together
Swords' relative size on the wing, combined with Greenway's ability to shoot the ball at such a dangerous rate from range, should make the two a nightmarish unit to defend on the perimeter. Take that with the aforementioned Strack's own ability to score on essentially every level, and you've got the makings of an especially gnarly offense in the SEC.
Don't let Brooks' quiet portal showing thus far distract you from the new talent he's bringing in. Historic Memorial Coliseum is going to rock this fall.