Kentucky Women's Basketball - LIVE BREATHE BLUE - The Next Big Thing

There was a critical point in Kentucky’s most recent game versus South Carolina where Clara Strack took over. The Wildcats’ 6’5” sophomore forward was in the proverbial zone, scoring at will and blocking shots against the much more heralded, sixth-ranked Gamecocks. Strack had pulled her team to within a single possession, sending the Carolina faithful in Colonial Life Arena into red-alert status. Despite Kentucky’s valiant effort, Dawn Staley’s powerhouse squad managed to hold on for a 78 – 66 win. But make no mistake—the message was sent loud and clear: Watch out America—the next big thing has arrived!

Clara Strack is the next big thing. If you think Georgia Amoore’s performances this year have been spectacular, just wait until you see Strack unleashed. Those watching Kentucky consistently this year know exactly what I’m talking about. The legend is just beginning. And it’s not just the 15.3 points and 9.5 rebounds stuffing the stat sheet every game, but it’s Strack’s defensive presence that creates nightmares for opposing coaches. Her 2.5 blocks per game leads the conference and ranks ninth nationally.

Others outside of BBN seem to have finally taken notice, as Strack was just recently named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. That’s no small honor given the talent level spread throughout the best league in the land. 

“It’s always exciting when someone validates the things that you do and the things you’ve been working for,” Strack modestly acknowledged when asked about the recognition.

Okay, Strack needs to work a bit on her shameless self-promotion. No worries—I’m here to help. And who better than her coach to get the word out and give credence to my claim of Strack being the next big thing?

“After we recruited her, she immediately showed me that she had the ‘it’ factor,” explained Coach Kenny Brooks. “We put her in the first practice, and the kid she was playing against was throwing elbows all over the place, and she played through it and didn’t back down. We took her to Greece, and the first game she played there she had 20 points and 14 rebounds. We realized that she was going to be special.”

Because inquiring minds want to know, I asked Strack directly about this so-called ‘it’ factor her coach was referencing.

“By that he just meant my ‘want’ to be better,” she answered without batting an eye. “My ‘want’ to get better. Just working hard every day, just getting in and getting extra work.”

“She’s worked as hard or harder than anyone I’ve ever had to this day,” confirmed Coach Brooks. “Film study, coming in and asking, ‘can we shoot?’ ‘Can we work on this? Can we work on that?’ The fruits of her labor have really paid off, and that’s why I’m so proud because she puts in the work. And I think she can only continue to get better and better because she just wants to get better, and she’s never satisfied with what she is.”

With a player like Strack leading the charge, Kentucky’s postseason prospects just got a lot more intriguing. The Wildcats head down to Greenville for the SEC Tournament as the No. 4 seed. Running the table won’t be easy, but with the next big thing in their lineup, the goal is well within reach.

“Every game you come across, it’s going to be a new battle,” Strack said. “I think you want to win every game. I don’t think we’re using this tournament to prepare for anything. I think we want to prove ourselves and show the things we’ve been trying to show all season.”

I posed the same question to Coach Brooks: Are you in it to win it, or are you just using the conference tournament as a tune-up for the NCAA Tournament?

“We’re going to take it one game at a time to be very honest with you,” he admitted. “If we feel like we can do that, then we can focus and we can give ourselves a chance to win. Our first-round opponent, whoever it is, we’ve beaten them already, so we know we can do that. Our second-round opponent is a team we’ve played close enough, so we also feel like we can win. The more we win, the better our seeding [in the NCAA Tournament] is going to be. So yes, you want to win the SEC championship, but you also want to position yourself the best you can for the NCAA Tournament.”

Despite the coach speak, you could tell Coach Brooks and Strack shared the same mindset.

“Yes, we’re going down to win it,” he finally acknowledged.

With the next big thing in Clara Strack, who am I to argue?

See you in Greenville.

Dr. John Huang is a retired orthodontist, military veteran, and award-winning author. Currently serving as a columnist for Nolan Group Media, he invites readers to follow him on social media @KYHuangs. Explore his debut novel— “Name, Image, and Murder”—and all his books at https://www.Amazon.com/stores/Dr.-John-Huang/author/B092RKJBRD