The addition of Jordan Obi was beyond pivotal for Kentucky WBB
Just when we thought Kenny Brooks might be napping, he swung for the fences and hit a grand slam by picking up a commitment from Penn transfer Jordan Obi. In her three seasons at Penn, Obi was selected to All-Ivy in each of them. Even being an undersized 6-foot-1 forward, she still dominated at will.
Now, she’ll get to play in more of a guard role at Kentucky — that’s even the position she’s officially listed as. Adding Obi was big because it put Brooks one step closer to finalizing the roster. However, it also filled a gap on the team that desperately needed to be filled.
Steady as a rock
If there’s any player who should be the model for consistency, it’s Jordan Obi. Through her first three seasons, her stats have been nearly identical in each of them. Take a look for yourself.
Her second season of play was a tad bit down from the other two scoring-wise, but it’s a minimal difference. The best part is that her most productive season actually came last year, where she had career highs in every single statistic.
One could also argue that Obi was playing out of position for most of this time. She spent the majority of her minutes as a three or even a four. In reality, she’s probably best suited as a two or three — especially in a Kenny Brooks system.
Versatility on offense
There were two other players, Stina Almqvist (15.3 PPG) and Mataya Gayle (14.3 PPG), who averaged double-digit points for Penn last season. But a lot of the offensive load was placed on Obi.
The ball would go through Obi’s hands almost every single trip down the floor, and that often resulted in a bucket. Even though she should have probably spent some more time on the perimeter at Penn, it did force her to learn how to finish down low.
What made Obi such a weapon on offense is that she can also shoot (and make) it from deep. Last season, she shot a career-high 38.6% from three-point range.
That would be tied for 44th in the nation had she attempted enough of them. Still, 34-88 is more than enough. When she gets an open look, she isn’t afraid to let it fly.
Just a solid all-around player
Anyone who averages 7.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks while doing that offensively is just a good ball player. At the end of the day, this Kentucky team lacked depth on the wings, and now Obi provides that cushioning. Next to Georgia Amoore, Cassidy Rowe, Saniah Tyler, and Lexi Blue, she’ll be able to round out an explosive backcourt.
Incoming freshman Tanah Becker will be able to thrive under Obi’s wing in year one as well. Considering the fact that Becker still signed with UK, that means that Brooks sees something in her. She’s certainly unproven, but she has a ton of raw talent. Using this first year to learn from Obi could pay dividends when Becker is an upperclassman.
Right away, Obi should come in and be a starter. As it stands right now, Obi will probably be the second option on offense, but she’ll be the primary source for everything else on the floor. That’s what happens when you’re 3x All-Ivy. You get to carry the load.
Of course, carrying the load is just a typical night for Jordan Obi.
Discuss This Article
Comments have moved.
Join the conversation and talk about this article and all things Kentucky Sports in the new KSR Message Board.
KSBoard