What Josie Gilvin's commitment means for Kentucky WBB

Late Friday night, Kentucky got its first transfer portal commitment of the offseason from WKU transfer guard Josie Gilvin. So, what does that mean for the outlook of next year’s roster?

Adding much-needed depth to the backcourt

When you look at Kentucky’s roster as it currently stands, you’ll come to notice that there seem to be a lot of wings — threes and fours — but some lack at depth when it comes to the center spot and the backcourt.

The addition of Gilvin greatly helps with that backcourt issue.

She plays the role of a combo guard, generally playing off the ball, but she can handle it too if need be. For the Lady Toppers, she actually spent most of her time playing as a wing, but given her 6-foot frame, she’ll probably be more of a shooting guard than a forward. Think more like a Lexi Blue or Dominika Paurová, not as much like a Kaelyn Carroll or Jordan Obi who may have some sets to get them in the paint too.

Regardless, however Kenny Brooks decides to use her, there’s now doubt that she’s a huge acquisition given what the roster looks like right now.

Getting an incredibly efficient scorer…

What makes Gilvin such a good get? Primarily, her shooting ability.

For her career, she only shoots 32.3% from deep, but as a junior, she took a tremendous leap as she made 41.3% of her three-point attempts — tops in Conference USA. Overall, she made 53.2% of her shots last year. As a guard, it’s hard to keep that number north of 50%. That’s how you know she’s efficient.

Gilvin was brought in to help replace the offensive production Kentucky lost this offseason, and that’s exactly what you’re going to get out of her.

… but also an underrated perimeter defender

However, she’s also an underrated defender. Averaging 2.6 steals and 0.8 blocks per game, Gilvin was not only named second team all-conference, but she was named to the 2024-25 CUSA All-Defensive Team.

She may be smaller than an Amelia Hassett or Teonni Key, but again, that’s why she’ll be more of a backcourt piece unless things go awry — like two season-ending injuries in the summer. Knock on wood that doesn’t happen again.

Gilvin is going to add a lot to the team in her lone year in Lexington. She’s a very solid all-around player and nice first get for Brooks and the staff in the transfer portal.

2025-26 Kentucky WBB Roster Tracker

There are currently six open scholarships to potentially be filled:

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