Vicky Graff Photo
The next Kentucky women’s basketball coach figures to have a difficult rebuilding job after UK won only four Southeastern Conference games this season but the task got even more difficult Tuesday.
Ajae Petty announced on social media that she was transferring for her final season after leading Kentucky in scoring (14.2 points per game), rebounding (10.6) and blocked shots (0.8). She averaged just over 31 minutes per game and started all 32 games.
“I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of the University of Kentucky,” Petty posted on Instagram. “The experiences and memories I’ve gained during my time here will always hold a special place in my heart. As I enter the transfer portal and pursue new opportunities, I want to thank the entire coaching staff for their guidance, support, and belief in me. It’s been an incredible journey, and I am grateful for the lessons learned, the friendships made, and the growth both as a player and as a person. While I may be leaving, I will always cherish the time spent at the University of Kentucky. Thank you for everything.”
Petty played sparingly in two years at LSU before transferring to Kentucky and was perhaps the SEC’s most improved player this season. She had 18 double-doubles — only three other SEC players had 15 or more.
Coach after coach praised Petty’s play during the season as she normally was UK’s only inside presence when it came to scoring or rebounding. Petty, who averaged just 5.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game during the 2022-23 season, should have plenty of transfer options from SEC teams and others.
Players can enter the transfer portal the day after NCAA Tournament Selection Sunday on March 18. The portal is open for 45 days.
Petty is the second Kentucky player who plans to enter the transfer portal as sophomore Zennia Thomas announced earlier that she would transfer. She was dismissed from the team during the season by coach Kyra Elzy, who was relieved of her coaching duties Monday.
