Amelia Hassett Glad to be Part of Foundation that Attracts Top-10 Recruits

Amelia Hassett (UK Athletics Photo)

Amelia Hassett transferred to Kentucky last season because she believed in new UK coach Kenny Brooks. Her faith was justified as UK won 23 games, was a top four team in the Southeastern Conference and hosted NCAA Tournament games.

Kentucky women’s basketball again created a buzz with UK fans and that has led to two top 10 recruits — Maddyn Greenway and Savvy Swords — both already giving their verbal commitments to Kentucky.

Both recruits said they liked what Brooks was building at UK and Hassett is proud to be part of that foundation.

“I think it’s really cool to see two great commits, them coming next year. It’s just exciting. It does a lot for the program, obviously, knowing that it was the first year that coach Brooks was here, and then seeing it evolve so quickly is just really exciting to see. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Kentucky basketball,” Hassett told me on WLAP Sunday Morning Sports Talk when I asked her about the recruits liking what UK did last season.

Even though UK lost All-American guard Georgia Amoore off last year’s team, Hassett believes the 2925-26 season can be special — and so does Brooks. Kentucky has more depth and has transfers Jordan Obi and Dominika Paurová ready to go after both missed last season at UK due to offseason injuries.

“I think I’m just excited to see how we gel together, especially because the core of us came back,” Hassett said. “Having that connection, having that bond, and the new people fitting right in so easily, it’s just exciting to see how it’ll all work out.”

Center Clara Strack, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore and a double-double machine, returns. So does senior forward Teonne Key along with Hassett.

Hassett averaged a double-double much of the season and was also among the SEC’s best shot blockers. She was also one of the team’s best 3-point shooters which led me to asking if she would be the best shooter on this year’s team.

“I think we have a lot of good shooters, so I feel like all of us together — we can be the best shooter as a team. The best team shooting,” Hassett humbly said. “Just the versatility, being excited to watch our depth and be a team that plays together.”