Kenny Brooks took Kentucky to the Sweet 16 in just his second year behind the wheel. The team falling short to the No. 1 Texas Longhorns, while disappointing, far from undercuts what Brooks is building in Lexington. It’s all about connections to the Cats coach, and that personable philosophy has led to his best Kentucky team yet in the 2026-27 season.
Wildcats transfer forward Me’Arah O’Neal elaborated on what stood out to her about Kentucky during her recruiting process with UK Sports Network. According to O’Neal, it all goes back to Brooks at the end of the day.
“Coach Brooks, he’s a fun guy…” began O’Neal, reflecting on the time prior to her commitment. “If I didn’t talk to him every day, it was probably every other day that I talked to him, it was just regular conversation,” she continued.
— UK Sports Network (@UKSportsNetwork) August 13, 2026
“I love that. It allows us to have a good relationship… just the brand of basketball here is so huge, and everybody is so invested, and I love them.”…