November 20, 2025 • 29 mins
Get ready for a powerhouse episode of the Kentucky Basketball Podcast presented by UK Federal Credit Union. Hosts Noah Frary and Darren Headrick sit down with Kentucky Women’s Basketball star Jordan Obi for an in-depth conversation about her journey, on-court growth, and life beyond basketball.
Plus, the guys discuss the women's upcoming matchup with in-state rival Louisville in the Battle of the Bluegrass. Let's talk some Kentucky Basketball!
Plus, the guys discuss the women's upcoming matchup with in-state rival Louisville in the Battle of the Bluegrass. Let's talk some Kentucky Basketball!
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
But like coach Brooks has some good dad jokes every once.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
In a while. Recently he's been doing the six seven okay, okay, yeah,
but you know, obviously, you you make your return from
injury the home opener this year more at State.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
You go for fifteen and fifteen in that game. I
know you and I got a chance to talk afterwards
on the broadcast, but I wanted to ask you again
in this format, what was it like playing in a
real game for the first time. And I think it
was close to six hundred days at that point, six
hundred days. It was a long time.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Yeah, that is a very long time. I was honestly surreal.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
It was.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Yeah, it was surreal. I was just happy to be
out there. Desia actually texted me before the game and
was like, you know, you've worked really hard for this.
Don't take it for granted and play every game like
it's your last.
Speaker 4 (00:48):
So well, it's time for episode four of the Kentucky
Basketball Podcast, presented by UK Federal Credit Union.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
I'm Noah Frairian sitting in for Michelle Kenezevik. This week.
It's the voice of Kentucky Women's basketball, Darren Hedrick. Darren,
thanks for taking some time to come on the show.
Speaker 3 (01:16):
Absolutely, No, I'm happy to be here in This team
a lot of fun to watch playing well. So let's
get to it.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
Well, let's talk about Kenny Brooks and the women's basketball team.
They improved a six to zero on Tuesday night after
another lopsided win over Purdue. Darren their top twenty in
the country right now. I feel like both sides of
the basketball are really looking good, starting to come together.
Clara Strack looks like arguably the best center in the
country at this point. You get a front row seat
(01:44):
to watch this team throughout the season. Early this year, though,
would have been some of your biggest takeaways. Well, no, I'll.
Speaker 3 (01:51):
Start with simply the defense. And I have told anybody
who will listen that I have as much fun watching
this team play defense as I do offense. And the
scary thing is they're only going to get better defensively
coming off the win against Purdue. Anytime you hold a
power four team to thirty five points and only nine
points in the second half on four field goals, you've
(02:12):
done something. I don't care who the team is, you've
done something. This team impresses me with their length I've
seen it just wear teams down physically and mentally, and
then on the other side, they're still trying to find
themselves offensively, and yet they're averaging almost eighty four points
a game. So this team has scary potential to it
right now, and I can't wait to see going forward.
(02:33):
Over the next couple of games against Louisville and Maryland
will find out just where they are.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
Well, Darren, you've been around Big Blue Nation for a
long time. I'm a little bit newer, But the one
thing I've already realized is people are already thinking about
the end of the year and the potential and even
the expectations of this team. When you look at how
they are right now, what is in your mind the
ceiling of what this team could accomplish this season.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
Well, I think the ceiling is awfully high, and I
think this team might even shaft because when I think about, Okay,
to get to where you want to go in March,
you got to get through the SEC. What are the
teams that win the SEC and usually contend for a
national championship have That's South Carolina, That's Texas. Historically that's
been Tennessee. They're big and what is Kentucky. They're big,
they have a lot of length, they can be physical,
(03:20):
they're rebounding the basketball, and again they can still get
better on that. So I think you're looking at a
team that can contend, and once they figure out just
where they are offensively, I think they're going to become
even more dangerous.
Speaker 1 (03:32):
Yeah. I think that's a great point. And the other
thing that goes into that is one of the biggest
early season bright spots I think so far for Kentucky
women's basketball has been the emergence of someone that I'm
calling a matchup nightmare and Jordan Oby. Oh yes. She
returns from a five hundred and ninety nine day layoff
with fifteen points and fifteen rebounds on opening night, becoming
(03:53):
the first Wildcat since Evil in Acator in twenty fifteen
to do that. She's been a force to be reckoned with.
What's impressed you about what you've seen early this season
from Jordan.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
Her physicality and her ability to adapt to play just
about any position that coach Brooks needs her to. She'll
get in there and rebound, she'll mix it up, but
she can also step out and we're seeing her outside
game with a three point shot continue to develop. She's
four to twelve from distance, but shooting fifty three percent overall.
In terms of rebounds, I think she's number three on
the team, right behind Amelia Hasset So and she's second
(04:25):
in the team in scoring. So but I love her physicality.
Her size is a mitch mismatch against a lot of teams,
and so I think Jordan has been a huge X
factor for this team.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
Well, she has one of the most unique journeys from
the IVY League to the SEC, and we're excited to
get to learn more about it today. So let's get
right to it. Here's Kentucky women's basketball's Jordan Obie. Well,
you're excited to be joined now by Jordan Obie of
Kentucky Women's basketball here on the podcast. Jordan, thanks for
taking some time out of your schedule to come talk
to us.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
Well, Jordan, you know, I think we got a start
with You're playing some of your best basketball back to
back games now with seventeen points against Marshall and Purdue.
What's working for you right now and what's kind of
your mindset? Is you anytime you step on the floor
right now?
Speaker 2 (05:14):
Right now, I'm just looking to dominate. When I'm on
the floor, I think that I'm not trying to really
force anything. I think all my SHOT's kind of coming
in the flow of the offense. So really just being physical,
attacking the boards, doing like the little things right, and
then everything else kind of what I tell myself is
everything else will fall into place.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Where do you feel like heading into this year, Obviously
you're coming off of injury, but you talk about dominating.
Where do you feel like you've grown the most as
a player allowing you to maybe go out there and dominate.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
I think really just being able to gel with the team,
so kind of like an intangible thing, but just kind
of adapting to the situation, playing kind of a different
role than I did at Penn. But yeah, just trying
to find, you know, my spots, find the people around
me because we have elite players on our team, so
(06:07):
just kind of being what the team needs me to.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
Be playing together. It feels like there's a lot of
chemistry on this team already through the first six games,
and I'm just curious as you try to adapt and
get comfortable. Tony's doing the same thing Asian and some
others having done that or currently doing that together? Has
that brought this group closer because you all are in
it together.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
Of course, off the court, we love each other. You know,
we went through summer workouts, grueling summer workouts, doing the
hard stuff together. So you know, being in adverse situations
with a group is going to bring you closer. And
I think that, you know, we've worked on that all summer,
and then being able to play in the game it
(06:49):
adds to that.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
How fun has it been to try and expand your
game and be challenged by Coach Brooks playing the two
and shooting more threes this year?
Speaker 2 (06:56):
It's been super fun at Penn Again, I was I
was kind of a low post presence right so being
able to expand my game and at the next level,
I'm probably going to be in a similar position, so
it's been super fun. Coach Brooks is a great teacher,
so it's been great being able to learn from him,
and also playing alongside Tony and then having Clara and
Tiani in the middle in the posts, it's made it
(07:17):
a lot easier.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
I think playing off of that. When when I watch
you play, you play so many different positions. I mean,
we'll see you bring the ball down the floor as
a point forward of sorts. You know, maybe I think
Lebron was kind of the first who started to do
some of that. And you know, we've seen you play
the two and the three, and I think you could
play the five if you had to in a pinch.
Is there a favorite position that you love playing?
Speaker 2 (07:42):
Honestly, I feel like in Coach Brooks's offense, we're all
kind of interchangeable. So I mean, I enjoy it all.
I like being physical and physical presence down though. I like,
you know, being on the perimeter. I like it all.
And again it's that adaptability being what the team needs
me to be in a certain situation.
Speaker 1 (08:02):
I mean, I gotta admit you probably love though, using
your size against a smaller guard, right, I love it.
I love a love a good small guard on jo
you know, type of matchup. But you know, Jordan, you
touched on it earlier. You start your career at pen
your three time all Ivy. You end up transferring here Kentucky.
Obviously you tear your achilles and you're unable to play
last year. During that period, what did you learn about
(08:25):
yourself having to be away from the game of basketball?
For a period of time, probably longer than you've had
to and in a long time. Uh, where'd you grow
as a person and what you learn about yourself during
that stretch.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Yeah, that's a situation I've never been in before, being
injured and missing basketball for a prolonged period of time.
Mainly that you know, I can like do hard things.
I can get through hard things. I think that to
this day has probably been one of the biggest obstacles
I've had to overcome. But yeah, it definitely increases your
(08:57):
mental toughness and just lean on people. You know that
Usually I'm not want to really reach out and ask
for help, But that really taught me a lot about that.
Speaker 3 (09:12):
Hall has Playing alongside Claire Strack, Amelia Hassett and Tianni
Key made you better, especially as a post player inside
trying to grab rebounds when it feels like there's a
competition sometimes within the game where you all are trying
for that rebound when there's two three of you under
the goal.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
Yeah, I mean they are also knowledgeable, especially having played
under Coach Brooks that last season Clara, you know, the
season before. Yeah, they're just all I'm I'm learning from
them every day what coach Brooks wants and expects.
Speaker 3 (09:46):
Yeah, and real quick shout out to those practice players
because when I come to practice, those guys challenge you
and they make some tough shots.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
They're there every day, given at their best every day.
Logan was at Logan and Park are working out with
me in the summer. Yeah, what they do is really
appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (10:05):
I had seen them in practice and I remember stepping
on the floor or you know, watching Blue White and
you're seeing some of these guys like taking logo threes
and hitting them and we all know those are the
shots that like coaches hate because you guys play great
defense and then you have like a crazy shot that
goes in and you feel like that possession was a
little bit of a waste.
Speaker 2 (10:24):
Yeah, yeah, you know, it happens sometimes. You know, you
just got to give them a high five and say
nice job.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
Yeah, move on.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
You know.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
I think going back to your decision to leave Penn
and ultimately end up here at Kentucky. I've never asked
you this, but why Kentucky? How did they initially end
up on your radar? Because it's they're very different locations
in the country, And what about Coach Brooks's initial vision
(10:51):
that he mentioned to you about wanting to come here,
Why did you decide, Hey, this is a great place
for me to spend the final years of my college career.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
So, coming out of high school, Coach Brooks initially recruited
me to Virginia Tech. He was probably on the top
of my list coming out of high school. But you know,
I have African parents, so they wanted me to go
to Ivy Route. So I did my three years. My
(11:24):
four years there. My first season got canceled due to COVID,
so I figured I'd just put my name in the
portal and see where I can go for that last season.
So Coach Brooks reached out to me when he was
still at Virginia Tech, before I had taken this this job,
and I knew I liked Coach Brooks and what he
was doing at Virginia Tech and who he was as
(11:46):
a person. So when he told me he was coming
to Kentucky, I was a little, you know, skeptical. I
don't know, I don't know what Kentucky's about, but I
trusted him, and you know, obviously Georgia was a big
part of why I wanted to come here as well
and play for him. But you know, it all worked
(12:07):
out in the end, getting a year under my belt,
seeing what he's about, and then now being able to
play with a year of knowledge under my belt.
Speaker 1 (12:19):
As it lived up to you know, obviously you'd known
him for a long period of time. Uh, playing underneath him,
being in that gym day to day has as the
expectations that they lived up to those expectations and or
maybe what have you learned differently about coach Brooks or
this coaching staff in general?
Speaker 2 (12:37):
It has I mean they're all great people. They're all chill. Yeah.
Like I said, Coach Bricks is a great teacher, great coach,
very knowledgeable. You know, I trust everything that he says.
The staff, they're just there to support you and and
make you a better person. It's not just about basketball.
(12:59):
It's about you know, growing as an individual so that
when we graduate, we're set up for success. So it's
been great.
Speaker 3 (13:05):
I'm glad you said that because I've heard him talk
to the team two or three times in practice about that. Like,
I'm not just here to coach you in basketball make
you better. I'm here to make you and prepare you
for life, to be on basketball, right.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
Yeah, we get a lot a lot of good life
lessons that we get after practice. Again, not everything is basketball.
There's there's life outside of basketball that we all have
to be prepared for when we stop playing. So it's
been great, it's been great.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
You feel like coach Brooks has some good dad jokes
every once in a while.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
Recently he's been doing the six seven Okay, yeah, okay, yeah, yeah.
You know.
Speaker 1 (13:42):
Obviously, you make your return from injury the home opener
this year more at State. You go for fifteen and
fifteen in that game. I know you and I got
a chance to talk afterwards on the broadcast, but I
wanted to ask you again in this format, what was
it like playing in a real game for the first time?
And I think it was close to six hundred days
at that point, six hundred days. It was a long time.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
Yeah, that is a very long time. I was honestly surreal,
it was, Yeah, it was surreal. I I was just
happy to be out there. Desia actually texted me before
the game and was like, you know, you've worked really
hard for this. Don't take it for granted and play
every game like it's your last. So that's kind of
the mentality I went in with and yeah, I was
(14:26):
just really happy to be out there.
Speaker 3 (14:28):
How often do you still talk to Dejah because obviously
she was encouraging you there.
Speaker 2 (14:31):
Yeah, I talked to her every once in a while.
She's doing well overseas, Yeah, and just I follow her,
you know, games, look at her stats.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
Get the other day.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
Yeah, how about that. She's doing well over there, And
I'm really proud of.
Speaker 1 (14:45):
Her and happy for you know, I think we wanted
to transition, and you know, I think a lot of
fans have gotten to know you on the floor here
in these you know, first six games of the season,
but off the floor, I think people you know, off
the court, I think people are still wanting to get
to know more about you. And you know, as I've
gotten to know you a little bit more, I think
what is fascinating is you're a woman of many talents,
(15:08):
like you know, multiple languages. I know you played the
trombone when you were younger. We've seen you now make
DJ cameos since coming to Lexington, your golf skills were
on whole display. Where did all of those like diverse
hobbies or skill sets or even interests come from? Why
Are you someone who gravitates towards learning new things?
Speaker 2 (15:30):
That's a good question. I guess that's kind of just
how I've been growing up. My dad is a big golfer,
so he would always take me golfing with him. That's
where I got that from. I went to boarding school
in high school, so you know, I was around a
lot of different people. I picked up DJing from one
of my friends in high school, and I just thought
(15:50):
it was very fascinating. So yeah, I think I'm just
I'm very inquisitive by nature, so I just like learning
new things.
Speaker 5 (15:58):
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(16:22):
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Speaker 1 (16:27):
There anything right now outside of basketball, maybe that's new
that has your curiosity a little bit, maybe just don't
have time, And I get that as well.
Speaker 2 (16:37):
You know, Asia Boone had a book, a fantasy novel,
and she finished it really quickly in two days, So
I was like, what are you reading? So she gave
you that novel, so I'm trying to get it. When
I read, I read nonfiction, So I'm kind of dabbling
in fiction now. Just because I saw he was reading
(16:58):
the book and she read it really fast.
Speaker 1 (17:00):
I think we got to do some more research on
the Kentucky Women's Basketball book Club.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
I'm telling you.
Speaker 3 (17:04):
And plus, you know, with Asia, you talk about challenging yourself.
She's wanting to be a pilot and she's practiced emergency
landings and everything else. That's something that is crazy.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
When she told me, I did not believe her.
Speaker 3 (17:17):
Well, you have flown around the globe, You've visited your
brother in London, but you also spent two years in Japan.
I want to hear more about what that was like.
Speaker 2 (17:26):
So, yeah, I was in Japan for my six and
seventh grade years. My dad worked for Centure. He's a
manage managing director at Accenture, so we moved there for
those two years. It was it was a great experience.
I went to an all girls school, something different. I
had a great time. Japan is super safe, super clean,
(17:50):
so we were able to be really independent, just go
to school on our own, hop on the train, go
to school on our own. Again. The culture, you know,
being able to put yourself in situations that you're not
really used to and adapt. I think that's something that
me and my brother really learned over there.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
What was it like adapting your diet over there compared
to what's available to us.
Speaker 2 (18:14):
It's crazy. Yeah, it's just a lot cleaner, you know.
But yeah, you know all the stuff my mom would cook,
so yeah, but yeah, good food.
Speaker 1 (18:27):
Yeah, it was funny. We obviously in Big Blue Nation.
We all learned recently that when you go from living
overseas to even coming here to America, you have to
be careful what type of food. I mean, Andrea Yelvich,
Kenny Papa John's Pizza. That's been the story. But you
mentioned your brother Jonah, and I know you guys are close.
I know that he was also a baller. Yeah, I
know you had a chance to visit him this past
(18:47):
summer in London. Just speak about y'all's relationship and maybe
how he's helped grown you into, you know, the young
woman that you are now.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
Yeah, so me and him are fourteen months apart. Growing up,
our relationship was a little bit turbulent, you know, siblings
exactly a lot. But yeah, as we've grown older, Yeah,
the relationship has really got stronger. This summer, yeah, no,
when did we go to London? I thought summer? Sorry,
(19:20):
sormmery this summer. Yeah, we said we wanted to take
a trip together because we don't really see each other
as much as we'd like. We actually have a couple
aunts who live in London, so we went to visit them.
My mom ended up surprising us there as well, so
we had a great time just being able to connect
with family. I feel like now, you know, we're all
(19:42):
kind of living our own separate lives, so being able
to reconnect was great. He helped me move in when
I moved here to Kentucky. He plans on coming to
a couple of games. Uh, came to my senior night
at Penn So you know, he's a big part of
who I am.
Speaker 3 (20:00):
And yeah, aside from connecting with family in London, did
you get to play tourists and see a lot while
you were over there, We did you know.
Speaker 2 (20:09):
The Buckingham Palace. Yeah, we went to a few museums,
but it was it was more We've been to London
before a couple of times and we have family over there,
so it was more about just you know, seeing and reconnecting.
Speaker 1 (20:22):
With I'm a little jeous because that's on my bucket
list to go to London. I've never been, and you know,
maybe we can schedule a game over there in the
future everybody seems to be doing it these days.
Speaker 3 (20:33):
Or maybe go back to Japan and play a game.
Speaker 1 (20:36):
Very cool, you know, I think Jordan's so last question
before we you know, kind of get into some fun
here towards the end. But outside of basketball, living here,
it's it's in Lexington. I I just moved here in
June and so I'm still getting used to it feels
like it's basketball all the time. But for you, what
have been some of your favorite things about living here
(20:59):
in Kentucky outside of basketball and even further just being
in Lexington.
Speaker 2 (21:05):
I think first is the people just a really good
environment to be in. I feel like when I leave here,
I'm gonna feel like this place is my home. But
outside of basketball, Just spending spending time with my teammates,
really taking some trips. Went to Louisville a couple of times.
The food here is great, so yeah, just just finding
(21:27):
things to do. You know, Lexington is it's a cute city, so,
you know, just hanging out with teammates and just finding
things to do.
Speaker 1 (21:35):
I've heard you got another trip coming up.
Speaker 3 (21:37):
I mentioned Louisville. How excited are you for your first
Cats Cards game?
Speaker 2 (21:41):
No, I'm super excited. I'm excited to see you know,
are what we're made of playing playing a really good team.
The environment is going to be great, good energy. So yeah,
these are the games that you want to have and
you really live for. So I'm who were excited?
Speaker 3 (22:02):
Just real quick? How have playing teams like Marshall who
pressed you for forty minutes and then Purdue who tried
to play you physical for forty minutes prepare you for
what you're going to face against the Cardinals Saturday?
Speaker 2 (22:12):
Yeah? Yeah, I mean those it all, It all really
prepares us. Just being able to adjust to different two
different styles of play and then making those in game
adjustments on the fly. Uh, something that you know we've
been working on. But yeah, it's all gonna prepare us
and you know we're ready. Fun, We're ready. Let's go.
Speaker 1 (22:33):
Well, last year's game against Louisville ultimately goes to overtime.
Kentucky wins it first time that the Cats took down
Louisville since twenty fifteen, and so very well, I mean
it almost could be likely that maybe this one will
go down to the buzzer. So, Jordan, to end our
time with you on the Kentucky Basketball Contest, we want
to play a game of beat the Buzzer with Jordan Obie.
(22:54):
So we're gonna put thirty seconds on the clock. We've
got several questions to just run down and I just
the first thing out of your head when I asked
the question. And we'll see if we can get seven
questions in in the next thirty seconds.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Huh, all right, I'm ready.
Speaker 1 (23:07):
Okay, well we will start the clock.
Speaker 2 (23:09):
Now.
Speaker 1 (23:09):
Favorite song to listen to pregame.
Speaker 2 (23:12):
M anything afrobeats.
Speaker 1 (23:14):
I like USh K Right now, Okay, what's your go
to podcast? And the only right answer is the Kentucky
Basketball Podcast.
Speaker 2 (23:20):
The Kentucky Basketball Podcast.
Speaker 1 (23:22):
He who is your funniest teammate?
Speaker 2 (23:26):
KK? Yeah, that's my tweet okay, okay.
Speaker 1 (23:29):
Favorite meal of the day. Are you a breakfast person?
Speaker 2 (23:33):
Honestly, I don't eat my first real ten so brunch brunch?
Speaker 1 (23:37):
Yeah, okay. Where you spend the most time TikTok or
Instagram right now? TikTok okay for sure. Favorite thing to
do outside of.
Speaker 2 (23:45):
Basketball, DJ or sleep or hang out with the team.
Speaker 1 (23:50):
And last question here to beat the shot clock? Your
go to pair of kicks in your locker right now?
Speaker 2 (23:56):
Devin Booker ones, Well, that.
Speaker 1 (23:58):
Is Jordanobi and she has officially beaten the buzzer here
on the Kentucky Basketball Podcast. Jordan, this has been a
ton of fun. Appreciate you taking some time and allowing
Big Blue Nation to get to know you a little
bit better.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
Thank you, guys.
Speaker 1 (24:11):
Well, that was a ton of fun talking to Jordan
Noby and getting to know her a little bit more. Darren,
I think one of the things I enjoyed the most
was just talking about outside of basketball. We've seen so
much and we've gotten to learn so much about her
in these first six games of the season, but it
was kind of fun to get a peek behind the
curtain of a player that is quickly becoming a fan
favorite here in Lexington.
Speaker 3 (24:31):
Yeah, and you know, my biggest takeaway is how Jordan
never backs down from a challenge. In fact, she seeks
them out when you talk to her about learning an
instrument or deciding, hey, I'm want to read this book
because my teammate read it. I'm going to go overseas,
I want to do this, I'm want to learn this position.
She's always challenging herself, a super intelligent player, and like
I mentioned at the start of the show, she's going
(24:52):
to be an X factor for coach Brooks this year.
Speaker 1 (24:54):
And I think the other thing that was so interesting
to me, and we talked about it a little bit
at the end, is this Kentucky team is about to
get their first major test this weekend, coming up against
Louisville and Darren I we were joking with Jordan before.
I still vividly remember that game last year. It was
the first time that I ever called a game here
at Kentucky, a sold out crowd immemorial, the first time
(25:14):
that Kentucky would beat Louisville since twenty fifteen, first ranked
win of the Kenny Brooks era. And I think where
I wanted to ask you, since she had a front
row seat to this. How did that game ultimately catapult
Kentucky to the season that they ended up having in
the first year under Kenny Brooks.
Speaker 3 (25:30):
Well, I think it was just such an early statement
win and it kind of showed that this program was
for real under coach Brooks right off the bat, and
it sort of helped propel the confidence in the players. Obviously,
Georgia Amoor was already established, Clara Strack had her feet
under her from the prior years of freshmen, but that
sort of I think it just instilled the confidence in
(25:52):
the rest of the team and they just kind of
took off from there and by SEC play they were
dominating teams average margin of victory eleven or greater and
all their SEC games. So that was sort of the
launch pad really when they beat Louisville last year, and
we'll see what that does for them this year.
Speaker 1 (26:08):
Yeah, it felt like it was just a massive confidence
boost at that point, and it was kind of the
first time where you're like, oh, we beat somebody. And
I think that's what's so interesting about this game this
year and this upcoming stretch where you see a ranked Louisville,
You're gonna take on Maryland down in Puerto Rico. I
know you're going to enjoy that trip over the holidays,
but then you get Miami on the road as well.
Speaker 4 (26:29):
You know.
Speaker 1 (26:29):
I think what's interesting is Louisville's always a good team.
Jeff Walls is a good coach. He does a great
job of bringing in pieces, and I remember heading into
that game last year, there was a lot of new faces.
Tajiana Roberts and so many of those young pieces that
now are still on that team. They've grown up. And
then he goes into the transfer portal and brings in
someone like us Eagler and a Jones and Urania Scott
(26:51):
from Oklahoma. When you look at this version of Louisville,
where do you think Kentucky is going to have the
biggest challenges this year?
Speaker 3 (27:00):
Well, I think we know Louisville's going to try to
challenge them physically. They're going to try to press and
force turnovers. They tried that last year against Georgia Amore
and coach Wallas even said after the game, He's like,
we turned her over seven times and she just kept
getting back up. We couldn't stop her. That's what Kentucky's
mentality will have to be this time. Louisville's going to
come at them aggressively, They're going to have the crowd
(27:21):
behind them, and Kentucky's got a weather the storm. I think, Noah,
you really need to survive the first five eight minutes
of the ballgame and then from there you just kind
of take it into the course of the flow of
the game. But Louisville's a great defensive team as always,
and so I'm going to be interested to see how
Kentucky adapts because you know, Jeff is going to try
(27:42):
to take away Kentucky's strengths, and they're going to double
team Strack in the post. They're probably going to come
after Hassit on the three point line like Purdue did.
They're going to try to turn over Tony Morgan when
she's got the ball. So this is going to be
a great challenge, and I think Kentucky's ready for it.
I think they've been building towards this, So I'm looking
forward to a great matchup Saturday.
Speaker 1 (28:03):
I think it's going to be great because you have
two teams that I think this year could say they're
much deeper, and this game could be a ton of fun.
And I think it's going to set a major tone
just early in the season the direction for both of
these teams. But I'm excited my longtime friend Kelly Dio
and Tom Wermey you are going to be on the call.
It'll be on the CW Network at two pm Eastern
(28:23):
on Saturday. But before we let you go today, we
wanted to say a quick thanks once again to our sponsor,
UK Federal Credit Union Better Banking Services. For all y'all,
this show would not be possible without them. Coming up
next week on the Kentucky Basketball Podcast, Michelle Kenesevik returns,
we're diving into our early season takeaways for both the
(28:45):
men's and the women's team. Plus, in the spirit of Thanksgiving,
we''ll highlight what Big Blue Nation has to be thankful
for this year in terms of basketball. Before we head out, though,
here's one thing that you can do to help us grow.
Sign up for a free an all access subscription and
get all the best Kentucky athletics content in one place. Also,
(29:06):
make sure you're subscribed on your favorite podcast Happen. If
you like today's show, feel free to leave us a review.
But that's all for today. I'm Noah Frairi. He's Darren Hedrick.
Episode four is in the books. We'll talk to you
all again next week.
But like coach Brooks has some good dad jokes every once.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
In a while. Recently he's been doing the six seven okay, okay, yeah,
but you know, obviously, you you make your return from
injury the home opener this year more at State.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
You go for fifteen and fifteen in that game. I
know you and I got a chance to talk afterwards
on the broadcast, but I wanted to ask you again
in this format, what was it like playing in a
real game for the first time. And I think it
was close to six hundred days at that point, six
hundred days. It was a long time.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Yeah, that is a very long time. I was honestly surreal.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
It was.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Yeah, it was surreal. I was just happy to be
out there. Desia actually texted me before the game and
was like, you know, you've worked really hard for this.
Don't take it for granted and play every game like
it's your last.
Speaker 4 (00:48):
So well, it's time for episode four of the Kentucky
Basketball Podcast, presented by UK Federal Credit Union.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
I'm Noah Frairian sitting in for Michelle Kenezevik. This week.
It's the voice of Kentucky Women's basketball, Darren Hedrick. Darren,
thanks for taking some time to come on the show.
Speaker 3 (01:16):
Absolutely, No, I'm happy to be here in This team
a lot of fun to watch playing well. So let's
get to it.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
Well, let's talk about Kenny Brooks and the women's basketball team.
They improved a six to zero on Tuesday night after
another lopsided win over Purdue. Darren their top twenty in
the country right now. I feel like both sides of
the basketball are really looking good, starting to come together.
Clara Strack looks like arguably the best center in the
country at this point. You get a front row seat
(01:44):
to watch this team throughout the season. Early this year, though,
would have been some of your biggest takeaways. Well, no, I'll.
Speaker 3 (01:51):
Start with simply the defense. And I have told anybody
who will listen that I have as much fun watching
this team play defense as I do offense. And the
scary thing is they're only going to get better defensively
coming off the win against Purdue. Anytime you hold a
power four team to thirty five points and only nine
points in the second half on four field goals, you've
(02:12):
done something. I don't care who the team is, you've
done something. This team impresses me with their length I've
seen it just wear teams down physically and mentally, and
then on the other side, they're still trying to find
themselves offensively, and yet they're averaging almost eighty four points
a game. So this team has scary potential to it
right now, and I can't wait to see going forward.
(02:33):
Over the next couple of games against Louisville and Maryland
will find out just where they are.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
Well, Darren, you've been around Big Blue Nation for a
long time. I'm a little bit newer, But the one
thing I've already realized is people are already thinking about
the end of the year and the potential and even
the expectations of this team. When you look at how
they are right now, what is in your mind the
ceiling of what this team could accomplish this season.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
Well, I think the ceiling is awfully high, and I
think this team might even shaft because when I think about, Okay,
to get to where you want to go in March,
you got to get through the SEC. What are the
teams that win the SEC and usually contend for a
national championship have That's South Carolina, That's Texas. Historically that's
been Tennessee. They're big and what is Kentucky. They're big,
they have a lot of length, they can be physical,
(03:20):
they're rebounding the basketball, and again they can still get
better on that. So I think you're looking at a
team that can contend, and once they figure out just
where they are offensively, I think they're going to become
even more dangerous.
Speaker 1 (03:32):
Yeah. I think that's a great point. And the other
thing that goes into that is one of the biggest
early season bright spots I think so far for Kentucky
women's basketball has been the emergence of someone that I'm
calling a matchup nightmare and Jordan Oby. Oh yes. She
returns from a five hundred and ninety nine day layoff
with fifteen points and fifteen rebounds on opening night, becoming
(03:53):
the first Wildcat since Evil in Acator in twenty fifteen
to do that. She's been a force to be reckoned with.
What's impressed you about what you've seen early this season
from Jordan.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
Her physicality and her ability to adapt to play just
about any position that coach Brooks needs her to. She'll
get in there and rebound, she'll mix it up, but
she can also step out and we're seeing her outside
game with a three point shot continue to develop. She's
four to twelve from distance, but shooting fifty three percent overall.
In terms of rebounds, I think she's number three on
the team, right behind Amelia Hasset So and she's second
(04:25):
in the team in scoring. So but I love her physicality.
Her size is a mitch mismatch against a lot of teams,
and so I think Jordan has been a huge X
factor for this team.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
Well, she has one of the most unique journeys from
the IVY League to the SEC, and we're excited to
get to learn more about it today. So let's get
right to it. Here's Kentucky women's basketball's Jordan Obie. Well,
you're excited to be joined now by Jordan Obie of
Kentucky Women's basketball here on the podcast. Jordan, thanks for
taking some time out of your schedule to come talk
to us.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
Well, Jordan, you know, I think we got a start
with You're playing some of your best basketball back to
back games now with seventeen points against Marshall and Purdue.
What's working for you right now and what's kind of
your mindset? Is you anytime you step on the floor
right now?
Speaker 2 (05:14):
Right now, I'm just looking to dominate. When I'm on
the floor, I think that I'm not trying to really
force anything. I think all my SHOT's kind of coming
in the flow of the offense. So really just being physical,
attacking the boards, doing like the little things right, and
then everything else kind of what I tell myself is
everything else will fall into place.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Where do you feel like heading into this year, Obviously
you're coming off of injury, but you talk about dominating.
Where do you feel like you've grown the most as
a player allowing you to maybe go out there and dominate.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
I think really just being able to gel with the team,
so kind of like an intangible thing, but just kind
of adapting to the situation, playing kind of a different
role than I did at Penn. But yeah, just trying
to find, you know, my spots, find the people around
me because we have elite players on our team, so
(06:07):
just kind of being what the team needs me to.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
Be playing together. It feels like there's a lot of
chemistry on this team already through the first six games,
and I'm just curious as you try to adapt and
get comfortable. Tony's doing the same thing Asian and some
others having done that or currently doing that together? Has
that brought this group closer because you all are in
it together.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
Of course, off the court, we love each other. You know,
we went through summer workouts, grueling summer workouts, doing the
hard stuff together. So you know, being in adverse situations
with a group is going to bring you closer. And
I think that, you know, we've worked on that all summer,
and then being able to play in the game it
(06:49):
adds to that.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
How fun has it been to try and expand your
game and be challenged by Coach Brooks playing the two
and shooting more threes this year?
Speaker 2 (06:56):
It's been super fun at Penn Again, I was I
was kind of a low post presence right so being
able to expand my game and at the next level,
I'm probably going to be in a similar position, so
it's been super fun. Coach Brooks is a great teacher,
so it's been great being able to learn from him,
and also playing alongside Tony and then having Clara and
Tiani in the middle in the posts, it's made it
(07:17):
a lot easier.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
I think playing off of that. When when I watch
you play, you play so many different positions. I mean,
we'll see you bring the ball down the floor as
a point forward of sorts. You know, maybe I think
Lebron was kind of the first who started to do
some of that. And you know, we've seen you play
the two and the three, and I think you could
play the five if you had to in a pinch.
Is there a favorite position that you love playing?
Speaker 2 (07:42):
Honestly, I feel like in Coach Brooks's offense, we're all
kind of interchangeable. So I mean, I enjoy it all.
I like being physical and physical presence down though. I like,
you know, being on the perimeter. I like it all.
And again it's that adaptability being what the team needs
me to be in a certain situation.
Speaker 1 (08:02):
I mean, I gotta admit you probably love though, using
your size against a smaller guard, right, I love it.
I love a love a good small guard on jo
you know, type of matchup. But you know, Jordan, you
touched on it earlier. You start your career at pen
your three time all Ivy. You end up transferring here Kentucky.
Obviously you tear your achilles and you're unable to play
last year. During that period, what did you learn about
(08:25):
yourself having to be away from the game of basketball?
For a period of time, probably longer than you've had
to and in a long time. Uh, where'd you grow
as a person and what you learn about yourself during
that stretch.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Yeah, that's a situation I've never been in before, being
injured and missing basketball for a prolonged period of time.
Mainly that you know, I can like do hard things.
I can get through hard things. I think that to
this day has probably been one of the biggest obstacles
I've had to overcome. But yeah, it definitely increases your
(08:57):
mental toughness and just lean on people. You know that
Usually I'm not want to really reach out and ask
for help, But that really taught me a lot about that.
Speaker 3 (09:12):
Hall has Playing alongside Claire Strack, Amelia Hassett and Tianni
Key made you better, especially as a post player inside
trying to grab rebounds when it feels like there's a
competition sometimes within the game where you all are trying
for that rebound when there's two three of you under
the goal.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
Yeah, I mean they are also knowledgeable, especially having played
under Coach Brooks that last season Clara, you know, the
season before. Yeah, they're just all I'm I'm learning from
them every day what coach Brooks wants and expects.
Speaker 3 (09:46):
Yeah, and real quick shout out to those practice players
because when I come to practice, those guys challenge you
and they make some tough shots.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
They're there every day, given at their best every day.
Logan was at Logan and Park are working out with
me in the summer. Yeah, what they do is really
appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (10:05):
I had seen them in practice and I remember stepping
on the floor or you know, watching Blue White and
you're seeing some of these guys like taking logo threes
and hitting them and we all know those are the
shots that like coaches hate because you guys play great
defense and then you have like a crazy shot that
goes in and you feel like that possession was a
little bit of a waste.
Speaker 2 (10:24):
Yeah, yeah, you know, it happens sometimes. You know, you
just got to give them a high five and say
nice job.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
Yeah, move on.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
You know.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
I think going back to your decision to leave Penn
and ultimately end up here at Kentucky. I've never asked
you this, but why Kentucky? How did they initially end
up on your radar? Because it's they're very different locations
in the country, And what about Coach Brooks's initial vision
(10:51):
that he mentioned to you about wanting to come here,
Why did you decide, Hey, this is a great place
for me to spend the final years of my college career.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
So, coming out of high school, Coach Brooks initially recruited
me to Virginia Tech. He was probably on the top
of my list coming out of high school. But you know,
I have African parents, so they wanted me to go
to Ivy Route. So I did my three years. My
(11:24):
four years there. My first season got canceled due to COVID,
so I figured I'd just put my name in the
portal and see where I can go for that last season.
So Coach Brooks reached out to me when he was
still at Virginia Tech, before I had taken this this job,
and I knew I liked Coach Brooks and what he
was doing at Virginia Tech and who he was as
(11:46):
a person. So when he told me he was coming
to Kentucky, I was a little, you know, skeptical. I
don't know, I don't know what Kentucky's about, but I
trusted him, and you know, obviously Georgia was a big
part of why I wanted to come here as well
and play for him. But you know, it all worked
(12:07):
out in the end, getting a year under my belt,
seeing what he's about, and then now being able to
play with a year of knowledge under my belt.
Speaker 1 (12:19):
As it lived up to you know, obviously you'd known
him for a long period of time. Uh, playing underneath him,
being in that gym day to day has as the
expectations that they lived up to those expectations and or
maybe what have you learned differently about coach Brooks or
this coaching staff in general?
Speaker 2 (12:37):
It has I mean they're all great people. They're all chill. Yeah.
Like I said, Coach Bricks is a great teacher, great coach,
very knowledgeable. You know, I trust everything that he says.
The staff, they're just there to support you and and
make you a better person. It's not just about basketball.
(12:59):
It's about you know, growing as an individual so that
when we graduate, we're set up for success. So it's
been great.
Speaker 3 (13:05):
I'm glad you said that because I've heard him talk
to the team two or three times in practice about that. Like,
I'm not just here to coach you in basketball make
you better. I'm here to make you and prepare you
for life, to be on basketball, right.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
Yeah, we get a lot a lot of good life
lessons that we get after practice. Again, not everything is basketball.
There's there's life outside of basketball that we all have
to be prepared for when we stop playing. So it's
been great, it's been great.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
You feel like coach Brooks has some good dad jokes
every once in a while.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
Recently he's been doing the six seven Okay, yeah, okay, yeah, yeah.
You know.
Speaker 1 (13:42):
Obviously, you make your return from injury the home opener
this year more at State. You go for fifteen and
fifteen in that game. I know you and I got
a chance to talk afterwards on the broadcast, but I
wanted to ask you again in this format, what was
it like playing in a real game for the first time?
And I think it was close to six hundred days
at that point, six hundred days. It was a long time.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
Yeah, that is a very long time. I was honestly surreal,
it was, Yeah, it was surreal. I I was just
happy to be out there. Desia actually texted me before
the game and was like, you know, you've worked really
hard for this. Don't take it for granted and play
every game like it's your last. So that's kind of
the mentality I went in with and yeah, I was
(14:26):
just really happy to be out there.
Speaker 3 (14:28):
How often do you still talk to Dejah because obviously
she was encouraging you there.
Speaker 2 (14:31):
Yeah, I talked to her every once in a while.
She's doing well overseas, Yeah, and just I follow her,
you know, games, look at her stats.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
Get the other day.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
Yeah, how about that. She's doing well over there, And
I'm really proud of.
Speaker 1 (14:45):
Her and happy for you know, I think we wanted
to transition, and you know, I think a lot of
fans have gotten to know you on the floor here
in these you know, first six games of the season,
but off the floor, I think people you know, off
the court, I think people are still wanting to get
to know more about you. And you know, as I've
gotten to know you a little bit more, I think
what is fascinating is you're a woman of many talents,
(15:08):
like you know, multiple languages. I know you played the
trombone when you were younger. We've seen you now make
DJ cameos since coming to Lexington, your golf skills were
on whole display. Where did all of those like diverse
hobbies or skill sets or even interests come from? Why
Are you someone who gravitates towards learning new things?
Speaker 2 (15:30):
That's a good question. I guess that's kind of just
how I've been growing up. My dad is a big golfer,
so he would always take me golfing with him. That's
where I got that from. I went to boarding school
in high school, so you know, I was around a
lot of different people. I picked up DJing from one
of my friends in high school, and I just thought
(15:50):
it was very fascinating. So yeah, I think I'm just
I'm very inquisitive by nature, so I just like learning
new things.
Speaker 5 (15:58):
And all right, listen, everybody. We needed to a brief
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(16:22):
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Speaker 1 (16:27):
There anything right now outside of basketball, maybe that's new
that has your curiosity a little bit, maybe just don't
have time, And I get that as well.
Speaker 2 (16:37):
You know, Asia Boone had a book, a fantasy novel,
and she finished it really quickly in two days, So
I was like, what are you reading? So she gave
you that novel, so I'm trying to get it. When
I read, I read nonfiction, So I'm kind of dabbling
in fiction now. Just because I saw he was reading
(16:58):
the book and she read it really fast.
Speaker 1 (17:00):
I think we got to do some more research on
the Kentucky Women's Basketball book Club.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
I'm telling you.
Speaker 3 (17:04):
And plus, you know, with Asia, you talk about challenging yourself.
She's wanting to be a pilot and she's practiced emergency
landings and everything else. That's something that is crazy.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
When she told me, I did not believe her.
Speaker 3 (17:17):
Well, you have flown around the globe, You've visited your
brother in London, but you also spent two years in Japan.
I want to hear more about what that was like.
Speaker 2 (17:26):
So, yeah, I was in Japan for my six and
seventh grade years. My dad worked for Centure. He's a
manage managing director at Accenture, so we moved there for
those two years. It was it was a great experience.
I went to an all girls school, something different. I
had a great time. Japan is super safe, super clean,
(17:50):
so we were able to be really independent, just go
to school on our own, hop on the train, go
to school on our own. Again. The culture, you know,
being able to put yourself in situations that you're not
really used to and adapt. I think that's something that
me and my brother really learned over there.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
What was it like adapting your diet over there compared
to what's available to us.
Speaker 2 (18:14):
It's crazy. Yeah, it's just a lot cleaner, you know.
But yeah, you know all the stuff my mom would cook,
so yeah, but yeah, good food.
Speaker 1 (18:27):
Yeah, it was funny. We obviously in Big Blue Nation.
We all learned recently that when you go from living
overseas to even coming here to America, you have to
be careful what type of food. I mean, Andrea Yelvich,
Kenny Papa John's Pizza. That's been the story. But you
mentioned your brother Jonah, and I know you guys are close.
I know that he was also a baller. Yeah, I
know you had a chance to visit him this past
(18:47):
summer in London. Just speak about y'all's relationship and maybe
how he's helped grown you into, you know, the young
woman that you are now.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
Yeah, so me and him are fourteen months apart. Growing up,
our relationship was a little bit turbulent, you know, siblings
exactly a lot. But yeah, as we've grown older, Yeah,
the relationship has really got stronger. This summer, yeah, no,
when did we go to London? I thought summer? Sorry,
(19:20):
sormmery this summer. Yeah, we said we wanted to take
a trip together because we don't really see each other
as much as we'd like. We actually have a couple
aunts who live in London, so we went to visit them.
My mom ended up surprising us there as well, so
we had a great time just being able to connect
with family. I feel like now, you know, we're all
(19:42):
kind of living our own separate lives, so being able
to reconnect was great. He helped me move in when
I moved here to Kentucky. He plans on coming to
a couple of games. Uh, came to my senior night
at Penn So you know, he's a big part of
who I am.
Speaker 3 (20:00):
And yeah, aside from connecting with family in London, did
you get to play tourists and see a lot while
you were over there, We did you know.
Speaker 2 (20:09):
The Buckingham Palace. Yeah, we went to a few museums,
but it was it was more We've been to London
before a couple of times and we have family over there,
so it was more about just you know, seeing and reconnecting.
Speaker 1 (20:22):
With I'm a little jeous because that's on my bucket
list to go to London. I've never been, and you know,
maybe we can schedule a game over there in the
future everybody seems to be doing it these days.
Speaker 3 (20:33):
Or maybe go back to Japan and play a game.
Speaker 1 (20:36):
Very cool, you know, I think Jordan's so last question
before we you know, kind of get into some fun
here towards the end. But outside of basketball, living here,
it's it's in Lexington. I I just moved here in
June and so I'm still getting used to it feels
like it's basketball all the time. But for you, what
have been some of your favorite things about living here
(20:59):
in Kentucky outside of basketball and even further just being
in Lexington.
Speaker 2 (21:05):
I think first is the people just a really good
environment to be in. I feel like when I leave here,
I'm gonna feel like this place is my home. But
outside of basketball, Just spending spending time with my teammates,
really taking some trips. Went to Louisville a couple of times.
The food here is great, so yeah, just just finding
(21:27):
things to do. You know, Lexington is it's a cute city, so,
you know, just hanging out with teammates and just finding
things to do.
Speaker 1 (21:35):
I've heard you got another trip coming up.
Speaker 3 (21:37):
I mentioned Louisville. How excited are you for your first
Cats Cards game?
Speaker 2 (21:41):
No, I'm super excited. I'm excited to see you know,
are what we're made of playing playing a really good team.
The environment is going to be great, good energy. So yeah,
these are the games that you want to have and
you really live for. So I'm who were excited?
Speaker 3 (22:02):
Just real quick? How have playing teams like Marshall who
pressed you for forty minutes and then Purdue who tried
to play you physical for forty minutes prepare you for
what you're going to face against the Cardinals Saturday?
Speaker 2 (22:12):
Yeah? Yeah, I mean those it all, It all really
prepares us. Just being able to adjust to different two
different styles of play and then making those in game
adjustments on the fly. Uh, something that you know we've
been working on. But yeah, it's all gonna prepare us
and you know we're ready. Fun, We're ready. Let's go.
Speaker 1 (22:33):
Well, last year's game against Louisville ultimately goes to overtime.
Kentucky wins it first time that the Cats took down
Louisville since twenty fifteen, and so very well, I mean
it almost could be likely that maybe this one will
go down to the buzzer. So, Jordan, to end our
time with you on the Kentucky Basketball Contest, we want
to play a game of beat the Buzzer with Jordan Obie.
(22:54):
So we're gonna put thirty seconds on the clock. We've
got several questions to just run down and I just
the first thing out of your head when I asked
the question. And we'll see if we can get seven
questions in in the next thirty seconds.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Huh, all right, I'm ready.
Speaker 1 (23:07):
Okay, well we will start the clock.
Speaker 2 (23:09):
Now.
Speaker 1 (23:09):
Favorite song to listen to pregame.
Speaker 2 (23:12):
M anything afrobeats.
Speaker 1 (23:14):
I like USh K Right now, Okay, what's your go
to podcast? And the only right answer is the Kentucky
Basketball Podcast.
Speaker 2 (23:20):
The Kentucky Basketball Podcast.
Speaker 1 (23:22):
He who is your funniest teammate?
Speaker 2 (23:26):
KK? Yeah, that's my tweet okay, okay.
Speaker 1 (23:29):
Favorite meal of the day. Are you a breakfast person?
Speaker 2 (23:33):
Honestly, I don't eat my first real ten so brunch brunch?
Speaker 1 (23:37):
Yeah, okay. Where you spend the most time TikTok or
Instagram right now? TikTok okay for sure. Favorite thing to
do outside of.
Speaker 2 (23:45):
Basketball, DJ or sleep or hang out with the team.
Speaker 1 (23:50):
And last question here to beat the shot clock? Your
go to pair of kicks in your locker right now?
Speaker 2 (23:56):
Devin Booker ones, Well, that.
Speaker 1 (23:58):
Is Jordanobi and she has officially beaten the buzzer here
on the Kentucky Basketball Podcast. Jordan, this has been a
ton of fun. Appreciate you taking some time and allowing
Big Blue Nation to get to know you a little
bit better.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
Thank you, guys.
Speaker 1 (24:11):
Well, that was a ton of fun talking to Jordan
Noby and getting to know her a little bit more. Darren,
I think one of the things I enjoyed the most
was just talking about outside of basketball. We've seen so
much and we've gotten to learn so much about her
in these first six games of the season, but it
was kind of fun to get a peek behind the
curtain of a player that is quickly becoming a fan
favorite here in Lexington.
Speaker 3 (24:31):
Yeah, and you know, my biggest takeaway is how Jordan
never backs down from a challenge. In fact, she seeks
them out when you talk to her about learning an
instrument or deciding, hey, I'm want to read this book
because my teammate read it. I'm going to go overseas,
I want to do this, I'm want to learn this position.
She's always challenging herself, a super intelligent player, and like
I mentioned at the start of the show, she's going
(24:52):
to be an X factor for coach Brooks this year.
Speaker 1 (24:54):
And I think the other thing that was so interesting
to me, and we talked about it a little bit
at the end, is this Kentucky team is about to
get their first major test this weekend, coming up against
Louisville and Darren I we were joking with Jordan before.
I still vividly remember that game last year. It was
the first time that I ever called a game here
at Kentucky, a sold out crowd immemorial, the first time
(25:14):
that Kentucky would beat Louisville since twenty fifteen, first ranked
win of the Kenny Brooks era. And I think where
I wanted to ask you, since she had a front
row seat to this. How did that game ultimately catapult
Kentucky to the season that they ended up having in
the first year under Kenny Brooks.
Speaker 3 (25:30):
Well, I think it was just such an early statement
win and it kind of showed that this program was
for real under coach Brooks right off the bat, and
it sort of helped propel the confidence in the players. Obviously,
Georgia Amoor was already established, Clara Strack had her feet
under her from the prior years of freshmen, but that
sort of I think it just instilled the confidence in
(25:52):
the rest of the team and they just kind of
took off from there and by SEC play they were
dominating teams average margin of victory eleven or greater and
all their SEC games. So that was sort of the
launch pad really when they beat Louisville last year, and
we'll see what that does for them this year.
Speaker 1 (26:08):
Yeah, it felt like it was just a massive confidence
boost at that point, and it was kind of the
first time where you're like, oh, we beat somebody. And
I think that's what's so interesting about this game this
year and this upcoming stretch where you see a ranked Louisville,
You're gonna take on Maryland down in Puerto Rico. I
know you're going to enjoy that trip over the holidays,
but then you get Miami on the road as well.
Speaker 4 (26:29):
You know.
Speaker 1 (26:29):
I think what's interesting is Louisville's always a good team.
Jeff Walls is a good coach. He does a great
job of bringing in pieces, and I remember heading into
that game last year, there was a lot of new faces.
Tajiana Roberts and so many of those young pieces that
now are still on that team. They've grown up. And
then he goes into the transfer portal and brings in
someone like us Eagler and a Jones and Urania Scott
(26:51):
from Oklahoma. When you look at this version of Louisville,
where do you think Kentucky is going to have the
biggest challenges this year?
Speaker 3 (27:00):
Well, I think we know Louisville's going to try to
challenge them physically. They're going to try to press and
force turnovers. They tried that last year against Georgia Amore
and coach Wallas even said after the game, He's like,
we turned her over seven times and she just kept
getting back up. We couldn't stop her. That's what Kentucky's
mentality will have to be this time. Louisville's going to
come at them aggressively, They're going to have the crowd
(27:21):
behind them, and Kentucky's got a weather the storm. I think, Noah,
you really need to survive the first five eight minutes
of the ballgame and then from there you just kind
of take it into the course of the flow of
the game. But Louisville's a great defensive team as always,
and so I'm going to be interested to see how
Kentucky adapts because you know, Jeff is going to try
(27:42):
to take away Kentucky's strengths, and they're going to double
team Strack in the post. They're probably going to come
after Hassit on the three point line like Purdue did.
They're going to try to turn over Tony Morgan when
she's got the ball. So this is going to be
a great challenge, and I think Kentucky's ready for it.
I think they've been building towards this, So I'm looking
forward to a great matchup Saturday.
Speaker 1 (28:03):
I think it's going to be great because you have
two teams that I think this year could say they're
much deeper, and this game could be a ton of fun.
And I think it's going to set a major tone
just early in the season the direction for both of
these teams. But I'm excited my longtime friend Kelly Dio
and Tom Wermey you are going to be on the call.
It'll be on the CW Network at two pm Eastern
(28:23):
on Saturday. But before we let you go today, we
wanted to say a quick thanks once again to our sponsor,
UK Federal Credit Union Better Banking Services. For all y'all,
this show would not be possible without them. Coming up
next week on the Kentucky Basketball Podcast, Michelle Kenesevik returns,
we're diving into our early season takeaways for both the
(28:45):
men's and the women's team. Plus, in the spirit of Thanksgiving,
we''ll highlight what Big Blue Nation has to be thankful
for this year in terms of basketball. Before we head out, though,
here's one thing that you can do to help us grow.
Sign up for a free an all access subscription and
get all the best Kentucky athletics content in one place. Also,
(29:06):
make sure you're subscribed on your favorite podcast Happen. If
you like today's show, feel free to leave us a review.
But that's all for today. I'm Noah Frairi. He's Darren Hedrick.
Episode four is in the books. We'll talk to you
all again next week.
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