Former University of Kentucky forward Keion Brooks has transferred to the University of Washington, he announced via social media.
Brooks, 21, averaged 8.3 points and 4.4 rebounds in 20.7 minutes during his three seasons with the Wildcats. The junior initially entered the 2022 NBA Draft before withdrawing and announcing he'd transfer from Kentucky.
The Athletic's Sam Vecenie and C.J. Moore have Brooks ranked No. 5 on their best available men's college basketball transfers list.
(Photo: Jamie Sabau / NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
What type of player is Washington getting?
Kyle Tucker, Kentucky staff writer: A former five-star recruit who is really athletic and a potentially stretchy 4. He’s only made 18 career 3-pointers (at a 24 percent clip) but has been a master of the elbow jumper and a lover of the long 2.
His inconsistency was frustrating for Kentucky fans, but when he was dialed in, he could take over a game. He averaged 16.5 points and 12.5 rebounds in two games against rival Tennessee as a sophomore. He scored 15-plus eight times as a junior, which included a dazzling 27-and-8 performance at Kansas.
He’s a smart, thoughtful, mature guy with a ton of high-major experience, having played 80 games, started 42 and scored in double figures 33 times. Kentucky is one of few programs that would have the luxury of letting a player like that walk, so he should make Washington better.
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Why didn't it work out for Brooks at UK?
Tucker: Because Brooks and John Calipari had a difference of opinion about what his role should be. Brooks thinks of himself more as a featured player and Calipari believes he’s a role player. Brooks thinks of himself as a modern 6-foot-7 wing and Calipari thinks of him as a more traditional power forward.
The other problem is Kentucky’s roster is always loaded, and if Brooks returned for his senior season, he would’ve had to fend off Obi Toppin’s ultra-athletic brother, Jacob, who he shared minutes with last season, and McDonald’s All-Americans Daimion Collins and Chris Livingston.
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