Jordan Obi believes more depth and versatility could lead to an even better team for UK this season. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Jordan Obi, a 6-foot-1 graduate student, thought she would be a major contributor to coach Kenny Brooks’ first team at Kentucky last season. Instead, the Penn transfer missed the season due to a lower leg injury.
It was a huge blow to her but also to Kentucky because in 83 games at Penn she averaged 13.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 blocks and 0.9 steals per game and had 1,142 points, 88 3-pointers, 631 rebounds, 165 assists, 85 blocks and 72 steals in three seasons. She shot 43.3 percent from the field, 38.6 percent from 3 and 82.7 percent from the line her final season at Penn.
Obi said Wednesday during a UK summer media opportunity that she was feeling “really good” and eager for the upcoming season.
“I’ve been telling everybody that this past year has been a lot of work on the court, but just me and my coach. Now being able to play with teammates, with nine other people on the floor, getting reacclimated to that, learning everybody else, that’s exciting for me. I’m excited to get back to where I was,” Obi said.
Despite not playing last season, Obi said she’s now a better player with a more expanded game.
“Before coming here, I was used to just playing inside. I’ve always had guard skills, but I’ve never really been able to tap into that because of the league (Ivy League) I was playing in. I was always kind of the biggest person, but now we have 6-foot-5 (players) all around me,” Obi said. “I’m excited to showcase my ability on the perimeter and bang a little bit inside too. You’ll see that my game has grown. I’ve become a lot more versatile, which I’m excited about.”
Obi tried to downplay her physical presence inside but admitted she considers playing inside her “comfort zone” because of past success.
“But now I can step out a little bit, come off screens, bring the ball up the floor, shoot the 3,” Obi said.
Kentucky lost All-American guard Georgia Amoore, a first round WNBA draft pick, off last season’s team that won one game in the NCAA Tournament and finished fourth in the SEC. However, Obi believes UK’s added depth this season could actually lead to a better overall team.
“Nothing against her (Amoore), but we have a lot more depth and versatility this year,” Obi said. “Probably more than half of the team can play different positions. That is going to help us a ton. So versatility and depth, I think, makes us even better than last year.”
UK WBB Media Day
Photos by Vicky Graff
One Response
I think just like the men's team. The womens team will get better and better every year. I think they will be even more physical this year
Strack Key and Hassett will all have monster seasons. I think Obi could also be put in that description.