KK Arnold doesn’t just walk into a room—she enters with purpose. At Kelsey Plum’s elite-level Dawg Class training camp, designed to mold college hoopers into WNBA-ready pros, the UConn sophomore made it clear that she’s next up. And not in a vague, maybe-in-the-future kind of way. We’re talking now. From her grit in drills to her natural leadership, Arnold walked away from the Las Vegas-hosted experience with a new badge of honor: Top Dawg.
For those who don’t know, The Dawg Class isn’t your average offseason basketball workshop. This isn’t cone drills and motivational quotes. This is Plum, one of the most lethal scorers in WNBA history, handpicking a crew of hoopers who’ve already made waves in college and are on the verge of doing something bigger. This year’s invite list featured standouts like Louisville’s Nyla Harris and USC’s JuJu Watkins. That’s the level of competition. But KK? She stood out even among the elite.
What is The Dawg Class, Exactly?
The brainchild of Kelsey Plum, The Dawg Class is part masterclass, part proving ground. Plum, who’s now a two-time WNBA champion with the Las Vegas Aces, knows that the transition from college to the league can be overwhelming. So she created something that didn’t exist when she was coming up—a space where high-level women’s players could learn the pro game before being thrown into it.
Think of it like a pre-WNBA bootcamp. No fluff, no filters. The camp is held in Vegas and run by pro trainers, mental health coaches, and media professionals. They go over everything: elite skill work, strength and conditioning, branding, dealing with criticism, and what it really takes to stay in the league once you get there. Basically, it’s a crash course in how to be her.
So when KK Arnold was not only invited but ended the weekend crowned Top Dawg, it wasn’t just a cool Instagram moment. It was a signal: she’s not just a future WNBA player. She’s a future problem.
Dawg Mentality
KK Arnold’s rise hasn’t exactly been under the radar—she was a McDonald’s All-American and a top recruit out of Wisconsin. But with UConn’s injury-riddled 2024 season pushing younger players into the spotlight, Arnold had to grow up fast. As a freshman, she was asked to do more than just “get reps.” She was a major piece of Geno Auriemma’s rotation and earned a reputation for being one of the grittiest on-ball defenders in the country.
If you watched UConn this past season, you know what I’m talking about. KK was the one diving for loose balls, getting into passing lanes, playing every possession like it was Game 7. And at 5’9”, she plays like she’s 6’2”—strong, confident, and fearless going into the paint.
At Plum’s camp, that same energy popped off the floor. She reportedly took every drill personally. Whether it was full-court pressure or late-shot-clock decisions, KK showed the poise and motor of someone already playing at the next level. And let’s be honest, Dawg Class isn’t a camp for vibes—it’s for killers. So when Plum announced her as the top competitor of the entire event, it carried real weight.
“She’s got that dawg in her,” Plum said, smiling in the post-camp recap video. “You can teach skills. You can’t teach that fire. KK’s got it.”
More Than Just Handles and Hustle
One of the best things about KK Arnold is that her game goes beyond stats. Yeah, she can fill up the box score, but her presence shifts momentum. Her energy is contagious. Her defense gets in your head. Her passing opens up plays most guards don’t even see.
At The Dawg Class, that translated into more than just fancy footwork or highlight plays. KK reportedly took charge vocally, encouraging other players, asking questions during film sessions, and taking time to connect with the mental performance coaches. It’s that kind of balance—physical tools and emotional intelligence—that separates good players from pros.
“She asked a lot of questions,” said one of the camp organizers. “She wasn’t trying to be a star. She was trying to learn how to be great.”
Let that sink in.
The UConn Blueprint
Photo: Tyler Sizemore | Hearst Connecticut Media
Being a UConn point guard comes with expectations. Auriemma doesn’t hand out minutes easily, and he definitely doesn’t let freshmen coast. But KK met the challenge head-on. With Paige Bueckers returning to full form and Azzi Fudd rehabbing, there was more responsibility than ever on the younger core. KK didn’t flinch. In fact, she thrived.
Now, with the experience of The Dawg Class under her belt, don’t be surprised if she takes that next leap this upcoming season. She’s been through the fire. She’s competed alongside and against the best. And she’s coming back to Storrs with a chip on her shoulder—and a new level of polish.
Expect her to run the show with even more confidence, pick up full court like it’s nothing, and maybe even take over games late. The raw tools were already there. Now she’s added some pro seasoning.
Bigger Than Basketball
It’s also worth mentioning what The Dawg Class stands for off the court. It’s a statement that women’s basketball deserves this level of prep, this level of visibility, and this level of care. Kelsey Plum didn’t just create a camp—she created a culture. One where young stars like KK Arnold can see a clear path, learn from pros, and build real community.
KK’s performance wasn’t just about ball—it was about belonging. It was about walking into a pro-level space and owning the moment.
So what’s next for KK Arnold? Everything. More wins, more leadership, more noise. The Top Dawg nod isn’t just a moment—it’s momentum. With the 2025–26 college season ahead and the WNBA spotlight already circling, KK is on a trajectory that feels inevitable.
She doesn’t need to prove she belongs anymore. She already did that in Vegas.
Now, it’s just a matter of time before the rest of the world catches up.