Kentucky WBB's recent transfers could haunt the program
In three days, Kentucky women’s basketball lost two of its top returning players for 2023-24 to the transfer portal. The repercussions of the exits could haunt Kentucky for years.
Forty-eight hours after the Wildcats fell to Tennessee in the quarterfinals of the 2023 SEC Tournament, standout freshman Kennedy Cambridge entered the transfer portal. Just three days after Cambridge’s announcement, star sophomore Jada Walker followed suit.
Both Wildcats released typical statements on their social media accounts.
What created the Kennedy Cambridge exit?
From an outside perspective, the decisions don’t make sense. Cambridge played 273 minutes in her debut season, the most among all Kentucky freshmen. During her time, Cambridge averaged 2.4 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.
Head coach Kyra Elzy constantly spoke positively about her spirited freshman.
“Kennedy continues to progress and get better. She’s fearless. She’s a competitor,” Elzy said following UK’s loss to Ole Miss on Feb. 13. “You need that type of energy.”
The Cats won’t have that energy moving forward. The loss leaves a gap on both sides of the ball that Kentucky will be hard-pressed to fill. The former four-star recruit possesses athleticism you can’t teach while having hustle you can only beg players to provide.
Cambridge finished the season with twice as many steals as veteran starters such as Blair Green and Nyah Leveretter. Additionally, she supplied Kentucky with a slashing ability to free up shooters such as Maddie Scherr and Eniya Russell.
Perhaps Cambridge’s greatest asset wasn’t a skill but a connection. The 5-foot-8 guard’s little sister, Jaloni Cambridge, is the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2024. When one Cambridge leaves, the other will likely never join.
Why did Jada Walker go?
As confusing as Cambridge’s exit is, the move seems simple compared to Walker’s situation. The after-waves of the disaster will pale in comparison, as well. Walker had a fantastic two seasons at Kentucky and essentially started from the moment she walked through the door.
Starting in 53 of her 62 collegiate contests, Walker averaged 11.7 points and 2.6 assists per outing while at UK. Additionally, the 5-foot-7 guard was a merciless defender, often picking up opposing teams’ star players for 94 feet.
Walker’s defensive figures reflected her bottomless pools of effort. With 2.6 steals per game, Walker led the SEC. Elzy loved Walker for heart-filled performances and, seemingly, Walker loved Elzy too.
“[Walker] can go down the floor, call the plays, understands what we’re looking for offensively, and has confidence without looking back at me that she can get them in an offense. That’s where she’s improved this year,” Elzy said after Kentucky defeated UNC Greensboro on Dec. 4, 2022.
Kentucky won’t have Walker’s veteran leadership next season, nor Cambridge’s youthful passion. We could ask why? But, the truth is we don’t know. However, we do know one thing: whatever is causing this pattern of offseason exits must change.
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