FILM ROOM: Lexi Blue is going to be a key contributor in her freshman season at Kentucky

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Welcome to the tenth edition of KSR’s Film Room series, a weekly series where we’ll be taking a look at each player on Kentucky’s 2024-25 roster and breaking down their film. For the last two weeks, we’ve analyzed what the freshmen will bring to the table, and we stay on that path by checking out some of Lexi Blue‘s tape.

You can also view our other Film Room breakdowns by clicking below.

Blue is Kentucky’s highest-rated freshman being the No. 40 prospect in the 2024 class (according to ESPN/Hoopgurlz) and she certainly justifies those rankings with her play. Blue is very naturally gifted on the offensive side of things. She is an excellent three-point shooter, and her length and size allow her to capitalize down low as well. On defense, she can guard multiple positions, and similarly to Tanah Becker, Blue excels in transition.

Knocking down the three consistently

If you haven’t figured it out yet, Kenny Brooks like shooters, and Lexi Blue can do just that.

Blue may be the best pure shooter on this team, and if she isn’t at the top, then she’s right there in the mix for certain. In high school, Blue could kind of just find her place on the perimeter and let it fly. Of course, at the collegiate level, the defense is going to be much better, so Blue is going to have to find ways to get herself open.

Luckily for her, she’ll be surrounded by countless other shooters and offensive threats, so there will be times this season when Blue terrorizes teams from beyond the arc.

Causing disruption against opposing guards

Playing at the wing position typically requires you to be versatile, and not only as a scorer, but also on defense. You have to be able to guard the players that should be bigger and stronger than you, but you also have to be able to guard the ones who are a little bit smaller and quicker than you.

Blue does a good job of not getting out of control defensively. When an opposing ball handler tries to put a move on her, she is very rarely phased. Most of the time, she’s going to keep steady and play disciplined.

Then, being 6-foot-1, Blue can actually play a fair amount of defense in the post. While she isn’t going to be matched up against a traditional back-to-the-basket big, she can hold her own if someone is driving to the paint on her.

Attacking the basket in transition

Playing fast may seem like an identity of sorts — something that a team can strategically do in order to control the pace of the game, which is the case for the most part. However, there’s going to be plenty of times where the momentum of the game is either not in your favor or at least not at your ideal pace. Point being, you just kind of have to be ready to play fast at any moment, especially in the SEC.

In the SEC, points don’t come by easily, and getting them when you can in transition is a huge bonus. Again, that’s part of why you have to always be ready for a track meet.

Blue does an excellent job of not only running out and hustling in transition, but she also makes it a point to attack the basket. When a player of Blue’s stature has full steam ahead toward the rim, stopping them isn’t easy.