Kentucky has two women’s basketball commitments. With Kyra Elzy out, are they still in?
Prior to Kentucky athletics director Mitch Barnhart’s announcement Monday that Kyra Elzy was relieved of her duties as head coach, UK women’s basketball had two high school seniors committed to its 2024 class. As of right now, that hasn’t changed.
After issuing a verbal commitment in August 2023, 6-foot-5 center Ramiya White of Butler Traditional High School in Louisville signed her letter of intent with the Wildcats in November. During her senior season with the Bears (27-8), White has averaged 11.4 points per game on a team-high 56.1% shooting, and pulled in a team-high 7.6 rebounds per game. She is a 2024 Miss Kentucky Basketball candidate alongside teammate Mariah Knight.
White was asked in the press conference following Butler’s Sweet 16 victory over Anderson County on Wednesday night about UK’s dismissal of Elzy and how that might affect her recruitment status. “Right now I’m not really worried about it,” White said. “I’m worried about the state tournament. There’s no pressure on me right now with that.”
Tanah Becker, a 6-foot-1 wing from Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee, committed to the Wildcats on Feb. 26 after receiving an offer the day before. Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Becker graduated high school in Canada in 2023 and spent this season with Hamilton Heights. This season, Becker is averaging 12.0 points per game on a team-high-tying 43% shooting. She also leads the Hawks in assists (2.6), steals (3.3) and blocks (1.3) per game.
Hamilton Heights head coach Melvin Williams confirmed to the Herald-Leader via email that Becker remains committed to the Wildcats despite the change in coach.
“Yes. ... She is still committed to UK,” Williams said Wednesday.
Since Elzy’s dismissal, leading scorer Ajae Petty and freshman forward Janaé Walker have announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal. Former forward Zennia Thomas, who was dismissed by the team in early January, indicated her intention to enter the portal on Tuesday.
Those expected departures leave Kentucky with eight players who retain at least one season of eligibility, and thus the ability to return for the 2024-25 season.
Seniors Nyah Leveretter (who missed the entire season due to ACL rehab), Eniya Russell and Maddie Scherr have the option to return for a fifth and final season granted by the NCAA following the COVID-19 global pandemic. Only Leveretter and Russell participated in the Wildcats’ Senior Day activities, alongside graduate guard Emma King, who exhausted her eligibility this season.
The roster also includes junior Brooklynn Miles, sophomores Amiya Jenkins, Cassidy Rowe and Saniah Tyler, and freshman Jordy Griggs.
