Kentucky WBB has a chance to prove doubters wrong in national spotlight

A week ago, Kentucky came in at No. 14 in the AP Poll after a 5-0 start to the season, with one of those wins coming against then No. 18 Louisville 71-61 in overtime. The big win put Kentucky on the map nationally, but to what extent?

Well, the Cats would go on to beat Arizona State handily to open the Music City Classic, and the next day, beat a Top 20 Illinois team by 23 points. After that, you would think that Kentucky would continue to be rewarded for its success, right? However, Kentucky rose not one, not two, not three, but zero total spots in the latest AP Poll.

Despite being undefeated, despite having beaten all seven opponents by double-digits, despite having two Top 20 wins (one of which was on a neutral court), Kentucky didn’t budge at all on Monday.

The Cats, however, have a chance to prove the doubters wrong in the national spotlight when they take on No. 16 North Carolina on the road on ESPN2, and if there is anyone who is aware of that, it’s Kenny Brooks.

In several of his postgame press conferences this season, Brooks has talked about “the little number beside our name”, as he would put it. Brooks knows and understands that it means a lot to be ranked — to be up there amongst the best of the best. But Kentucky certainly isn’t where they want to be yet.

It also helps that Brooks has Radvile Autukaite on staff to prepare for the Tar Heels.

“On the floor, she’s a fantastic coach with a unique eye for detail and puts together a tremendous scout,” TechSideline’s David Cunningham told KSR preseason.

“For example, she always played a big role in or had Virginia Tech’s scout against North Carolina,” Cunningham explained. “In her time with the program, the Hokies were 11-3 in the series and won six in a row.” The Tar Heels have been a team in the upper-half of the league in recent years, even finishing 3rd in the ACC in 2021-22.

Brooks has said on more than one occasion that the team has a responsibility to protect their ranking, but on Thursday, they’ll be playing to justify a new one come next Monday.