The summer heat may be rising, but things around Kentucky basketball are already simmering with energy, change, and ambition. From shifting friendships to summer workouts and recruiting buzz, here’s the latest out of Lexington as Mark Pope’s Wildcats continue laying the foundation for a new era of hoops in the Bluegrass.
Trent Noah on Travis Perry transferring: "It definitely stung"
Kentucky freshman Trent Noah didn’t hold back when asked about Travis Perry’s transfer to Ole Miss.
“It definitely stung,” Noah said Monday. “I did everything I could to keep him here. He’s one of my good friends and he was an excellent player. But at the end of the day, you got to do what’s best for you, and that’s what he thought was best for him. I love him and wish him the best—not looking forward to playing him, that’s for sure.”
In a thoughtful gesture, Noah shared that he made sure to inform his teammates personally before the news went public. The respect between the two Kentucky natives was evident. Perry’s departure may have caught fans off guard, but for Noah, it was a moment that reminded everyone that college basketball is still very much a personal journey.
Summer workouts begin: "We kinda have four Jax’s this year"
Even with head coach Mark Pope away coaching Team USA’s U19 squad, the Wildcats didn’t waste any time getting to work. Summer practice is underway, and for returning players like Trent Noah, there’s a clear sense of purpose as he spoke with the media.
“I feel like we’re kinda taking the Jaxson Robinson role because we know Coach Pope, and we know what he expects, his standards, and his system,” Noah said. “Now, the new guys are coming to us and asking how this goes and stuff like that. It’s kinda big. We kinda have four Jax’s this year. It should make things a lot smoother.”
Four Jaxson Robinsons? Sounds like a coach’s dream—and a defender’s nightmare.
Ansley Almonor joins La Familia for TBT
Kentucky’s growing imprint on the TBT (The Basketball Tournament) continues to expand with Ansley Almonor joining the La Familia squad this summer. He follows in the footsteps of several other Wildcats who have committed to the summer showcase, and his addition brings yet another capable scorer and versatile forward into the fold.
La Familia—composed primarily of Kentucky alums—is quickly becoming one of the tournament’s must-watch teams, and Almonor’s involvement only boosts its ceiling.
Kentucky in hot pursuit of top recruits Tyran Stokes and Baba Oladotun
Recruiting never stops—and Kentucky is aiming high.
Tyran Stokes, the No. 1 player in the Class of 2026 and a longtime UK target, was recently on campus for a visit. The Wildcats are pushing hard to land the dynamic forward and are seen as a major contender in his recruitment. Stokes fits the mold of a Pope-style player: big, athletic, and multi-skilled.
Even more forward-thinking? Kentucky’s early involvement with Baba Oladotun, the No. 1 player in the 2027 class. According to KSR’s Jacob Polacheck, Oladotun’s father has taken an active role in managing early conversations with schools—and Kentucky is in the mix.
The message from Pope’s staff is loud and clear: They’re not waiting around—they’re setting the pace.
Jasper Johnson eyes banner 9, not just minutes
Incoming five-star guard Jasper Johnson is saying all the right things this summer—and showing the kind of maturity that will make him a fan favorite quickly.
"“I know Coach Pope has a plan—him and his staff—to be able to work in everybody at a high level and fit the roster with which groups go best with each other... it’s great to have depth. We’re going to need that to be able to win a national championship.”"Jasper Johnson
Forget stat sheets—this kid wants banners. Johnson’s team-first mindset adds even more credibility to the chemistry Pope is cultivating in the locker room.
Bonus:
Mark Pope is currently with Team USA’s U19 squad. He is an on floor assistant for the US camp. He is also spreading Big Blue Nation’s influence on several big time recruits. His presence with the national team only sharpens his recruiting reach and basketball IQ.
Team no wasted days
Summer can be a quiet time in college basketball, but not in Lexington. With high-character leaders like Noah, high-level talent like Johnson, and a recruiting engine running full-throttle, Kentucky is moving with purpose—even in June.
One thing is clear: the Pope Era isn’t just about building a team. It’s about building a program. And the foundation is starting to look very sturdy.