Blair Green and her UK teammates win through a bonding experience at Ft. Campbell that included carrying a 30-pound water tank on a five-mile walk. Green's partner was coach Kyra Elzy. (UK Athletics Photo)
Blair Green started the first 18 games last season for Kentucky. The last nine games, she did not start any game and played 15 minutes or less in all but one game. She got only 25 shots in those nine games and eight came in the NCAA Tournament win over Idaho State when she scored 10 points. With the transfer portal open and active, some UK fans thought the former Harlan County all-state player might transfer. It didn’t happen and is ready to start what she thinks will be a “different” season for coach Kyra Elzy’s team.
Green said transferring was never a serious option for her.
“Me and coach had a really good talk this summer,” said Green, who averaged 6.0 points per game but scored in double figures seven times last season. “She explained she needed me to be part of the team and this was a big year for me.
“It’s just how teams are. Sometimes you have to sacrifice some things and work in different areas. Overall it was a great season and we learned a lot and became stronger.
“Last year was a rollercoaster ride for everyone. Coach Elzy got thrown into the fire (after head coach Matthew Mitchell resigned before the season started) and we also had to deal with COVID. It was tough for everyone, especially coach Elzy, to bond.
“This year we had all summer and coach Elzy was able to create a team in her vision. We are all on a really good page. It’s just a different feeling this year. It’s really special. Our bond is better than it has ever been at Kentucky since I have been here. I feel like we are going to be really special this year.”
Green has played in 90 games, with 25 starts, in three seasons and scored 510 points. She has 174 rebounds, 70 assists, 46 steals, and 21 blocked shots. Green has also made 59 3-pointers and shot 33 percent from long range.
She averaged 26 points and 6.5 rebounds her senior season at Harlan County when she hit 59 percent from the field and 84 percent at the foul line. She was Kentucky Miss Basketball finalist and a four-star prospect according to ESPN.
Green is also a Kentucky fan favorite. She’s active in community service but her eastern Kentucky roots and playing style have been embraced by Kentucky fans.
“I have always had support from fans,” Green said. “I try to stay off social media. I am not a big Twitter girl. I didn’t want that to interfere with our team. I want to be that person for my team who does things right. Block that (social media noise) out and just work harder. You can’t get caught up in what fans say.
“Not everyone knows what is going on inside the team. Not everyone knows why we do some things. I don’t always even now. I just trust the process, trust my journey and what coaches have to say to me. As long as we work together things will be better.”
Green said the last three years have “gone by really fast” but have produced definite changes in her on and off the court.
“The biggest change is my maturity. You learn a lot from your coaches. I have more leadership skills and know-how to lead my team with my communication a lot better,” she said.
“On the court, I am more consistent. I am stronger. My shot is better. Overall, I have just gotten better.”
Green said the overall team has “really grown up a lot” and that’s why this season feels different to her.
“We really want each other to be great. We are really pushing each other to be the best possible player we can,” she said. “We have a lot of dogs (good players) that are all tough. I really think we could be a very special team this year.”
