Historic night in NYC proves Kentucky WBB’s renaissance is just beginning

MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA - MARCH 23: The Kentucky Wildcats sideline cheers during a second round game against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament held at Hope Coliseum on March 23, 2026 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Greg Fiume/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images

It has been a decade since the Kentucky women’s basketball program had the momentum rolling like it does right now.

After a thrilling run to the Sweet 16, the program’s first since 2016, the celebration moved from the hardwood to the stage on Monday night. In a historic 2026 WNBA Draft, four Wildcats saw their professional dreams realized, setting a new program record and proving that the Kenny Brooks era is operating at an elite level.

The senior class that restored the roar to HMC didn’t just win games; they changed the standard for what it means to wear the Blue and White.

The first expansion era selection

The night’s highlight came early as Teonni Key made history in more ways than one. Key was selected in the 2nd round (22nd overall) by the WNBA’s newest expansion franchise, the Toronto Tempo. Key’s length and defensive versatility made her a lock for the second round, but being part of Toronto’s inaugural roster adds a special layer to her legacy. There is only ever 1 first season for each franchise.

Key was just the beginning of a flurry of Wildcat names called:

• Tonie Morgan (32nd Overall): The Chicago Sky added Morgan’s playmaking to their backcourt.
• Amelia Hassett (35th Overall): Just three picks later, the Los Angeles Sparks secured Hassett, a player whose shooting range and rebounding were the “glue” for Kentucky’s Sweet 16 run.
• Jordan Obi (44th Overall): The Las Vegas Aces, who have won 3 of the last 4 titles, added the physical, high-IQ Obi to their powerhouse roster, proving that even the league’s elite see the value in a Brooks-coached player.

A foundation for the future

While Kenny Brooks is currently deep in the trenches of building the 2026-27 roster, this draft night serves as a reminder that things can really change in HMC. It just takes the right coach, the right investment, and some good scouting.

Four players drafted in a single night is not something that just happens by accident. It is the result of a system that prioritizes professional development and a senior class that bought into a vision when the program was at a crossroads. As these four ladies head to Toronto, Chicago, L.A., and Las Vegas, they leave behind a blueprint for the next generation of Wildcats to follow. History was made on the court this year, and on Monday night, it was made off the court.

Brooks will welcome Maddyn Greenway, Savvy Swords, Emily McDonald from the high school ranks, and has just added UConn’s Ayanna Patterson via the portal. Things are looking up in Lexington.