Along with freshmen Maddyn Greenway and Savvy Swords, returning star Clara Strack is leading the way in an increasingly strong class that Kenny Brooks has assembled for the Wildcats thus far this offseason. Ahead of the head coach’s third season in charge, things have gradually come together.
The atmosphere in and around Memorial Coliseum is at an all-time high, particularly in light of Brooks’ choice to remain in Lexington despite an enticing job option appearing in Virginia around the start of the offseason. Brooks is unquestionably blue and white, and he keeps proving it.
He has now acquired what may be the Cats’ biggest acquisition of the summer. Me’Arah O’Neal, a standout transfer forward, has committed to Kentucky, according to Talia Goodman. Me’Arah, the daughter of NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, has all she needs to carry on her successful family’s history in Lexington.
O’Neal averaged 13.6 points per game during her sophomore year with the Florida Gators. She also contributed 6.4 rebounds, more than a block, and a steal per night. To put it simply, she was constantly present everywhere; her move to Kentucky should present an even bigger chance to succeed.
Anticipated to move into the frontcourt alongside the previously mentioned Strack, the two might make up the finest frontcourt tandem in the SEC. Brooks is vying for the title, and O’Neal might be a key component considering his junior jump.
O’Neal is part of a transfer class that Brooks is still assembling, which also includes tenacious SEC guard Diana Collins and former five-star forward Ayanna Patterson. This was precisely the kind of offseason his regime needed heading into a crucial third year after a mediocre sophomore campaign.
O’Neal has an opportunity to continue being a vital component of the rival that Brooks has been attempting to establish in Lexington, especially with two years of eligibility left.
If they haven’t already, BBN will need to pay attention to what he’s doing with the women’s basketball team this next season. If Coach Brooks’ offseason momentum keeps building, he has the tools to accomplish something genuinely remarkable in his third try.
