Amelia Hassett has No Memory of Missed Shots

Amelia Hassett not only has been a potent 3-point shooter, but she's also been one of Kentucky's best rebounders. (Vicky Graff Photo)

When Kentucky junior Amelia Hassett shoots, UK fans almost expect every shot to go in.

“She does, too, and that’s what makes her dangerous,” Kentucky assistant coach Josh Petersen said. “Mellie is an unbelievably gifted kid in that she can wipe the slate clean in her mind. If she misses one, she has no memory of it at all. If she gets a good look, she is taking it. She takes really good shots, too.”

The 6-3 forward from Australia takes almost 75 percent of her shots from 3-point range (68 of 93). However, she can hold her own inside because she is averaging almost 10 rebounds per game along with 11.3 points while shooting 45 percent overall from the field going into today’s game with Western Kentucky.

“She has had some big rebounding games. She puts herself in position to work on both ends of the court. She tries really hard and impacts every play,” Petersen said. “Her and (point guard) Georgia (Amoore) bring so much joy to the game. It is infectious. She (Hassett)

In Hassett’s two seasons at Eastern Florida, she averaged 13.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Her final season she averaged 19 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. However, even though she was a junior college All-American, Petersen wasn’t sure how her rebounding would translate to Kentucky.

“Rebounding is energy and effort. I don’t know how well someone will rebound until I know their personality,” the Kentucky assistant said. “Her dedication to what the team needs is superior.

“She may not be the most athletic or laterally quick kid but her intention is to always get the ball on both ends. I can’t say I anticipated that or what her game would be but she has been great.”