Did Virginia Tech coach Kenny Brooks take a subtle shot defending Elizabeth Kitley?

Normally Virginia Tech women’s basketball coach Kenny Brooks is a soft-spoken coach. He is always complimentary of opposing coaches and players. However, following Thursday night’s 76-63 ACC victory over Virginia in the first of two Commonwealth Clashes, the Hokies head coach made what appears to be a subtle comment.

Earlier this week, The Athletic released their midseason All-American team. The First Team list included Caitlin Clark of Iowa, JuJu Watkins of USC, Cameron Brink of Stanford, Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame, and Aneesah Morrow of LSU. The second team included Paige Bueckers of Connecticut, Alissa Pili of Utah, Kamilla Cardoso of South Carolina, Ayoke Lee of Kansas State, and Elizabeth Kitley of Virginia Tech.

That’s an impressive list, however, having Kitley on the second team is kind of a joke. The two-time ACC Player of the Year had six 30-point games already this season and recorded her 14th double-double of the season with 33 points and 18 rebounds against the Cavaliers and played all 40 minutes.

Kenny Brooks makes interesting post game comment

Following the game, Brooks spoke with the media and took what could be considered a subtle shot at that article.

“When you write your articles and you’re talking about it, please put some exclamation points in there,’’ said Brooks. “Just don’t get bored with a 33 (points) and 18-rebound performance. Let that sink in. Thirty-three points and 18 rebounds.’’

Anyone paying attention to Virginia Tech women’s basketball this season knows that it is a little more than what Kitley generally gives the Hokies on a nightly basis. She’s had one performance this season where you could say she “struggled’’, it was last Sunday at Syracuse where she only scored six points and struggled from the field shooting. Still, Tech was able to win that game 75-62 thanks to her teammates who picked her up. 

What Kitley does on a nightly basis is something that Virginia Tech fans should take appreciation for every time she takes the floor. Even when she’s struggling like she did against the Orange, she’s able to make a big impact in other ways. The impact she makes on a nightly basis is not good enough in some media members' eyes. Don’t get me wrong, all of the players that are mentioned are great players, but what Kitley means on a nightly basis in a game on both ends of the floor is not something many players can match. Just ask Brooks.