How Kentucky WBB is turning adversity into an advantage

Kentucky Women’s Basketball has faced its fair share of conflict this season. Nonetheless, currently on a six-game win streak, the team has realized the adversity may have been a blessing in disguise.

At one point this season, the future looked hopeless for the ‘Cats. Kentucky began conference play 2-8, suffered endless health problems and even a disciplinary issue. The team was well out of the NCAA Tournament picture and, frankly, looking down the barrel of a mediocre season.

Turning dirt into a diamond

Then, their luck finally flipped. Dre’Una Edwards returned from suspension, Robyn Benton’s ankle healed and Kentucky started reaching its full potential. At a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Elzy was able to reflect on the peaks and valleys of the season.

“Basketball season will present challenges. You’re going to have your ups and downs, and we could have laid down, but we didn’t. I was always confident in this team,” Elzy said.

Making the tough decisons for Kentucky WBB

Elzy’s actions reflected her beliefs. The second-year head coach suspended redshirt junior Edwards on Jan. 20. Edwards is the team’s second-leading scorer and top rebounder. Without Edwards, the ‘Cats struggled greatly.

UK went 1-3 without their star forward, only narrowly beating an inferior Auburn squad. Although the decision cost Elzy temporarily, she believes it was the right decision in the long run.

“There is a culture that I want at Kentucky and a standard and expectation which we will have,” Elzy said. “I think it has made us closer as a team. You weather the storm together through the good and the bad.”

The ‘Cats are feeling confident

Elzy’s faith in her team has rubbed off on the players. While Kentucky’s late-season run was fueled by improved performances, it was driven by newfound confidence.

Every win for Kentucky was another brushstroke, painting the picture Elzy envisioned from day one. As the team heads into the SEC Tournament as a No. 7 seed, the ‘Cats are more confident than ever. Senior point guard Jazmine Massengill discussed the team’s current attitude.

“[The win-streak] is a big confidence booster. At this point, it was kind of do or die. It’s like do we want to go to the tournament, or do we not?” Massengill said during the press conference on Tuesday. “It’s definitely brought us closer together. We realized we’re a phenomenal team. We just have to play together.”

The tournament may be do or die, but there’s no pressure on the ‘Cats. Most NCAA Women’s Basketball fans counted Kentucky out by January. Now that they’re prepped for a run into March, Elzy wants the team to enjoy the experience.

“It’s going to be a fun tournament. It’s a great experience. I want them to take in the experience,” Elzy said. “But, they understand what’s at stake.”

Kentucky will begin its postseason campaign on Thursday at 7 p.m. EST in Bridgestone Arena. The ‘Cats will square off against the No. 10 seed Mississippi State Bulldogs. Kentucky already defeated the Bulldogs once this season in a wild 81-74 comeback victory on Feb. 15. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.