Heading into last season, one of the more uncertain pieces on the team was Amelia Hassett.
It didn’t take a rocket scientist to look at her Eastern Florida State College film and see that the 6-foot-3 stretch forward was talented. However, there was always that looming question hanging above her head of if she could hold serve in the SEC.
Well, she did just that.
Hassett had some off-games here and there, admittedly, but she often rose to the occasion when the lights shined brightest. Against Louisville, she grabbed clutch rebound after clutch rebound, nailing clutch free throw after clutch free throw to lead Kentucky to their first signature win under Kenny Brooks.
She started in each of Kentucky’s 31 games, averaging 33.1 minutes per contest. It didn’t help that she was playing through some sickness in early February either. Folks, Hassett had been run through the mud. There was a ton of weight on her shoulders, and she could have faltered where most would. Instead, she stuck it out and finished last year averaging 8.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.
Thankfully, there shouldn’t be as much of a load for Hassett to bear heading into this season.
“I think she’s gonna be more comfortable,” Brooks said of the senior forward. “Obviously, we were hard on Amelia last year just because we needed her to guard the best player, rebound the basketball on both ends and then make shots. All the while playing 30-some minutes a game. I thought she had a tremendous year. She really did. I think now, with added help and her being able to be more natural in her position, I think she’s going to be a lot more productive for us.”
Hassett has never really let things get to her either it seems. A rough patch on the court? It happens. Sickness? She got over it. Her attitude has always been top-notch.
“I’m excited for her,” Brooks mentioned. “I appreciate everything she did for us. To know Millie, Millie’s got a big smile on her face, and she’s just happy. She’s very happy to be here… She just walks into a room and you immediately smile. So, I thought she had a really good year last year. I look back on it, she had a really good year, and I’m excited for her to be able to play off of everyone here now and have some more help where she can be fresher.”
It’s likely that Hassett’s minutes may decrease a bit this year, but that shouldn’t stop her from being able to produce, especially if she’s able to play within a more natural and comfortable role.
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