Alexis Jennings has big shoes to fill in more ways than one.Yes, UK Hoops is looking to replace departed post plaers DeNesha Stallworth and Samarie Walker — two of the most productive players in program history.But the 6-foot-2 true freshman forward has been following in hallowed footsteps her entire life.Her mother, Tracy McCall, is a former professional basketball player and one of the best players in the history of the University of North Alabama.Jennings hasn’t shrunk from her strong basketball heritage. She’s seemed to take on every challenge she’s faced in the game in excelled so far in her career.To date, she has lived up to, if not exceeded, the expectations one might have of a player from such a distinguished pedigree.”My mom has always motivated me to be the best player I can be,” Jennings said. “She’s been there. She’s in the Hall of Fame at UNA, where she did great things. I see myself as following on her path.”Jennings was rated the ninth best high-school post player in the nation and the No. 64 overall prospect class of 2014 by ESPN.She was named 6A State Player of the Year and the 2013-14 Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year in Alabama after she led Sparkman High School to the state championship, averaging 22.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.9 blocks and 3.2 steals with an 81-percent free-throw shooting percentage.So perhaps the challenge of stepping in and contributing at a perennially elite team right away isn’t that daunting for Jennings.”I want to come in right away and make an impact,” Jennings said. “I will have a role to fill, and I want to do that to the best of my ability.”
Jennings chose UK largely because the team’s style of play seemed to fit her game. “Alexis is an extremely versatile post player who possesses all of the characteristics we look for at Kentucky,” UK head coach Matthew Mitchell said. “She is strong, athletic and skilled. Her ability to run the floor was attractive to us. “Alexis has 3-point shooting range which will stretch the defense and she can also put the ball on the floor and get to the basket to score. She is hard-nosed and tough on the defensive end and she will be very effective in full-court press situations. I am thrilled Alexis chose Kentucky. She will be a significant player here.”When asked to describe her style, Jennings seemed to agree with her coach.She made it a point to mention her ability to run the floor, but asserted that her post game was her strongest asset.”I’m a versatile player,” Jennings said. “I like to run, and I think I’m more effective in the open floor. I think I’m very strong down low and I can step back and shoot the 3.”So Jennings’ game seems to fit Mitchell’s up-tempo, pressure defense-based playing style, but she chose for Kentucky for reasons bigger than just basketball.”I came here because it’s a family-oriented program,” Jennings said. “And its been evident since we started practicing. Players like Jennifer O’Neill have taken me under their wing. She’s made me feel like I’m sisters with everyone on the team already. She’s been here a while, and I can count on her to give it to me straight. Every practice she encourages me.”So far things seem to have gone smoothly for Jennings, but bigger stages and bigger challenges await.In terms of stage it won’t get much bigger than Friday’s Big Blue Madness.