UK has found a major weapon. ‘It’s just a thing of beauty to watch her shoot.’
Heading into this season, one of the biggest questions facing the University of Kentucky women’s basketball team was how would it plug the leadership and production void left by the departure of one of the most effective backcourt duos in program history.
UK Coach Matthew Mitchell and Wildcats fans surely still miss Taylor Murray and Maci Morris, but almost a month into the season it appears the team is squarely on solid ground when it comes to guard play — and a seasoned veteran who spent the majority of her college career on the opposite side of the country is a major reason why.
Sabrina Haines arrived in Lexington last year after three seasons at Arizona State. Her junior campaign was cut short after nine games because of a torn ACL and she sat out last season because of NCAA transfer rules while practicing with the Wildcats. She finally returned to competitive basketball this season after a nearly two-year absence and has started every game as UK has jumped out to a 6-0 record and is ranked No. 14 in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll.
Haines is one of just two Wildcats averaging double-figure scoring. Sophomore star Rhyne Howard leads the team at 18.5 points per game while Haines is averaging 11.2. Haines has made 13 of 27 three-point shots and scored a team-best 17 points in a hard-fought 50-47 victory at Virginia two weeks ago. Her contributions on offense have clearly been crucial, but her presence on the other end of the court is just as noteworthy.
Haines is a relentless defender. It’s an aspect of the game she clearly relishes. After Tuesday’s 81-35 rout of Grambling State, in which she scored nine points to go along with five rebounds and a steal, Mitchell praised Haines for the effort she’s put in to become an elite defender.
“I’ve been so proud of her defensive progress,” he said. “(It) has been amazing and it’s a real credit to her hard work.”
Mitchell also remarked on Haines’ offensive prowess.
“She’s a big weapon for us,” he said. “Technically, she’s just so sound and solid shooting the basketball. It’s just a thing of beauty to watch her shoot. When the ball leaves her hand it’s just a real pretty sight. She’s got a great shot. And then you can see that she has some physical strength and toughness. I think that’s where the next step is — she’s got to get a little bit more confident with getting the basketball and getting downhill north and south and driving to the basket. And I know she’ll work hard at that. She’s a tremendous competitor.”
After the victory over Grambling, Haines said that her time away from the court contributed to a renewed dedication to improving as a player.
“Those two years really helped give me a different perspective on basketball,” said Haines. “And here at Kentucky, learning from ... my coaches and everything, it’s been a wonderful experience and I’m so glad to be back.”
Asked how her experience as a Wildcat has compared to the expectations she had when deciding to transfer, Haines said “It’s exceeded (them), definitely. It’s been the best. I’m just so thankful to be here and I’m so thankful that the coaches brought me here. I love it.”
Mitchell and the rest of UK’s coaches are doubtlessly just as thankful Haines chose to finish her career in blue and white. Her signing was clearly a major win for the program. Ironically, a heartbreaking loss might have made that victory possible.
Blues in Rupp
The first experience UK and its fans had with Haines was an unpleasant one. As a freshman in 2016, she was part of the Arizona State squad that came into Rupp Arena and knocked off Kentucky 73-71 in overtime. Haines played a key role in the win, scoring nine points to go with four rebounds, two assists and two steals. She also fouled out — and insists to this day that she got a raw deal.
“I used to talk to Maci (Morris) about it all the time,” Haines said. “I used to laugh at her because she fouled me out because she punched me in the face. I was like, ‘what?’ I always laugh at her about that.
“It’s an interesting experience playing against a team and then transferring here. I honestly could not explain it. The first time we did Big Blue Madness last year and we were in that Rupp locker room I was like, ‘this is weird.’”
Haines said Arizona State’s trip to Lexington left an impression that contributed to her decision to become a Wildcat.
“Big Blue Nation is really something serious, and the fact that I was able to experience it on my own and also play against Kentucky and know that their style of play fits what I like to do ... I’m sure that in the back of my head that had something to do with it,” she said.
Haines’ next opportunity to make an impression on UK fans comes Sunday when the Wildcats host Austin Peay in Memorial Coliseum at 1 p.m. That will be the third of a seven-game home stand that will wrap up on Dec. 15 against No. 8 Louisville in Rupp Arena.
Austin Peay is 5-1 on the year and has won three straight games. The Governors average 79.5 points per contest and are shooting 33.5 percent from three-point range.
Next game
Austin Peay at No. 14 Kentucky
4 p.m. Sunday (SEC Network)
