Another Kentucky women’s basketball player intends to transfer. This time it’s a freshman.

Caroline Makauskas
·2 min read

Kentucky women’s basketball just lost one of its two freshmen.

Janaé Walker announced on Wednesday afternoon via social media that she will be entering the transfer portal. The 6-foot-4 Tyrone, Georgia, native retains three years of eligibility.

“I would like to thank God and the coaches at the University of Kentucky for the opportunity to be a part of the women’s basketball program. My time there will never be forgotten. With that being said, I will be entering the transfer portal with 3 years of eligibility remaining. I’m excited for the new opportunities that come in this process. Thanks again, BBN. #KILLTHENOISE”

Walker, a late addition to the Wildcats’ freshman class of 2023, originally committed to Gardner-Webb, but decommitted in April of her senior season following coach Alex Simmons’ departure for Memphis. Walker committed to UK in May over Southern California, Syracuse and Wisconsin.

During her freshman year with the Wildcats (12-20, 4-12 SEC), Walker averaged 0.9 points, 1.3 rebounds, 0.1 steals and 0.3 blocks in 7.6 minutes per game over the course of 28 games played.

She becomes the third player to suit up for the Wildcats this season and declare for the transfer portal, after both leading scorer Ajae Petty and former forward Zennia Thomas (dismissed in January) announced their intentions to transfer on Tuesday. Petty’s and Walker’s departures are the roster’s first since UK athletics director Mitch Barnhart announced Monday morning that Kyra Elzy was relieved of her duties as head coach of the program.

Of the remaining nine players on the Wildcats’ roster, only fifth-year guard Emma King is unable to return for the 2024-25 season. Seniors Nyah Leveretter, Eniya Russell and Maddie Scherr each possess an extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other players yet to reveal their intentions are junior Brooklynn Miles, sophomores Amiya Jenkins, Cassidy Rowe and Saniah Tyler and freshman Jordy Griggs.

Leveretter, who did not play this season while recovering from a torn ACL, is the only frontcourt player still on Kentucky’s roster. She participated in Senior Day activities at season’s end so her future is unclear.

Kentucky freshman Janaé Walker became the second Wildcat active at season’s end to declare her intention to enter the transfer portal, joining Ajae Petty.
Kentucky freshman Janaé Walker became the second Wildcat active at season’s end to declare her intention to enter the transfer portal, joining Ajae Petty.