Kentucky WBB Position Preview: There's going to be versatility at power forward

by:Phoenix Stevens•about 23 hours•

PStevensKSR

Welcome in to the fourth edition of what will be a five-part series, the KSR Kentucky Women’s Basketball Position Preview series. The name is self-explanatory. We’ll take a look at each of the five positions on the court and assess how the 2024-25 ‘Cats fare at each spot.

Now, we analyze the power forward position. There are only two “forwards” listed on UK’s official roster page — Amelia Hassett and Teonni Key. These are the two that are going to play the bulk of the minutes at the four, and it’s really just a question of who starts and who comes off the bench. Or will there even be a set “starter”? Could it be a game-by-game basis on who starts? There’s a lot to unpack there.

Check out our other editions in the series below:

Is there a true “starter” or is the four going to be fluid?

Between Hassett and Key, Brooks has two different but arguably equally talented players he can slide in at the four. Hassett played the role of a stretch five at EFSC, and KSR got a look at her shooting during an open practice. Take our word for it: she can shoot the piss out of the ball.

However, during that same open practice, Key was knocking down some threes as well. Of course, they were uncontested, but it was still a pleasant surprise to see her consistently hitting the three. Brooks has been high on her offseason progression, and it’s clear why.

So, again, who do you start? And more importantly, who do you put on the bench? They’re both too talented to ride the bench, and the four seems like it’s a super competitive position because of that.

More likely than not, Hassett would be the one to start each game simply because of her size and her ability to stretch the defense with her perimeter shooting. At least, that seems like the most likely option to begin the season.

If Key continues to get better and better and if she can hit threes consistently in-game, then maybe she gets the nod over Hassett as the season goes on. There’s always a chance that Brooks starts one or the other game-by-game just because of the scout and what matchups he likes better.

Hassett and Key are two great options at power forward, and both of them are going to cement their value to this team very early on.