Coach Kyra Elzy has reminded her players that even in the Bahamas, they will not forget about academics. (UK Athletics Photo)
Kentucky sophomore guard Jada Walker is looking forward to playing two games in the Bahamas this week starting with today’s game against No. 14 Virginia Tech.
“I haven’t been out of the country much, so getting to go out there and enjoy that is going to be fun,” Walker said.
But not too much fun — or at least that is coach Kyra Elzy’s plan.
“It’s going to be a fun time, but our approach is a business trip. I want them to have fun, so there’s a fine line and balance because they’re like ‘Oh we have to study in the Bahamas?’ And I was like, ‘Yes you’re still in school,’” Elzy said.
“You can put your bikini on and study outside, but you’re going to study. You want them to have fun. It’s a trip that they can make memories with, but also we are there for business as well.”
Kentucky is 4-0 but has had trouble consistently hitting outside shots. Kentucky is only 19 of 85 from 3-point range — 22.4 percent. Walker is 4-for-9 but guards Robyn Benton and Blair Green are both 3-for-18 and guard Maddie Scherr 5-for-14.
“We’re playing a top-25 team in the Bahamas, so that will show us where we are. We want to let our defense turn to offense and get easy things in transition,” Green said. “I think it’s going to be a really good game.”
“I think we should all be excited and confident. We’re not ranked and we believe that we should be, so I think this is a great opportunity to show what we are about.”
