How Strong Could the University of Kentucky Be with Obi and Paurova in the Lineup?
University of Kentucky (UK) women’s basketball coach Kenny Brooks may be missing two key pieces to his team this season, but the potential impact of Jordan Obi and Dominika Paurova is not lost on those familiar with his program. Queens University head coach Jen Brown, who played for Brooks at James Madison University and later coached under him at both James Madison and Virginia Tech, offered high praise for Brooks and his team following their matchup. Her bold statement hinted at the transformative effect Obi and Paurova could have if they return to the court.
“Once he gets back his two kids who are hurt, he could have an Elite Eight and Final Four team out there,” Brown said.
The “two kids” Brown referred to are Jordan Obi, a 6-foot-1 guard who made a name for herself during her four years at the University of Pennsylvania, and Dominika Paurova, a 6-foot-1 guard who spent her freshman season at Oregon State. Both players bring significant talent and experience to the table.
Obi established herself as a versatile and consistent performer at Penn, averaging 13.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game over 83 games during her three active seasons (her first season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Paurova, on the other hand, showcased her skills as a true freshman at Oregon State, averaging 5.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game on a team that advanced to the Elite Eight.
However, in late July, Kentucky announced that both Obi and Paurova had suffered lower leg injuries, leaving their return to the court uncertain. Despite this setback, Brown’s remarks suggested that the possibility of their return this season still lingered.
Brooks, while acknowledging the void left by their absence, was cautious in providing updates.
“She [Brown] was on my staff and helped me recruit Jordan to Virginia Tech, so she knows what Jordan is capable of, and she got to watch Dom play a little bit too,” Brooks explained. “But no, there is still no update on those two.”
Brooks expressed gratitude for the current roster but admitted that missing Obi and Paurova has been a challenge.
“We have what we have, and that is what we are going with day-by-day, but she [Brown] is right. You know we do miss those two kids, and it hurts us in a lot of different ways, but we have what we have.”
The potential impact of Obi and Paurova cannot be overstated. Obi’s scoring ability and rebounding prowess, combined with Paurova’s playmaking skills and experience on a deep postseason team, would elevate Kentucky’s prospects significantly. Their return could provide the depth, versatility, and veteran leadership necessary to propel the Wildcats deep into the NCAA tournament.
For now, UK is left to navigate its season without two of its most promising additions, but the prospect of their return still lingers as a tantalizing possibility. If Obi and Paurova do recover in time to contribute, the Wildcats could very well transform into a team capable of making a serious Final Four run.
