Teonni Key is the biggest question Kentucky WBB has to answer

Kenny Brooks has taken the state of the roster from basically nothing to being one of the most talented in the SEC. It’s also a roster full of uncertainty. That’s part of what makes this upcoming season so exciting. Expectations are kind of all over the place, with things trending in a positive direction. Speaking of talented and uncertain, that’s what Kentucky has in Teonni Key.

Coming out of high school, the 6-foot-4 forward was the No. 9 overall player in the 2021 class, per ESPN. With a scouting grade of 97, Key was one of only 15 five-star recruits in the country. Key considered many high-profile schools (including Kentucky), but she ultimately decided to stay home and play for her home state North Carolina Tar Heels.

Obviously, Key’s potential heading into her collegiate career was practically endless. However, she never got to get things going in her freshman season, unfortunately. Key would suffer an ACL tear that would keep her sidelined for the entirety of the 2021-22 season.

While she was safe from injury the following season, the injury bug struck again in 2023-24. She would miss the first 10 games of last season due to a lower body injury. So, when Key finally got into the swing of things, it was just hard for her to gain momentum.

However, heading into her junior season at Kentucky, all that lies ahead is potential. Can Key finally fully show everyone what she’s got? And if so, how does she fit on this year’s team?

Making her minutes count

Unless Key can improve her numbers five-fold, it’ll be hard to see her getting starting time on this team. That’s not even a knock on Key. Kentucky is just that deep, especially in the front court. So, when Key gets in, she has to make her minutes count.

Most likely, she will alternate between the four and five spots depending on if Clara Strack and Clara Silva are in or not. Part of what sets Key apart from some of the other front court pieces is that her range extends beyond the paint. While you most likely won’t see her knocking down threes regularly, she can make 15-18 foot jumpers on a consistent basis. That’s a huge plus.

When she’s in the game, she’ll have to rebound and be a facilitator down low. Creating extra possessions is pivotal, obviously. So, if Key can get offensive boards and pass out of the post, good luck if you’re the opposing team. When you look at this roster, there are shooters everywhere. If Key can give Kentucky second chance opportunities and then find the open shooter from the post, her minutes will trend upward.

Key (clearly) has all the potential in the world. If she can stay healthy, continue to get better and capitalize when she’s given time on the court, then she may be a bigger contributor on this team than most would give her credit for.

Be on the lookout for No. 7 in blue and white — the good blue and white, not that ugly Tarheel blue and white.