Trent Noah getting ready to shine in year 2
Mark Pope might’ve landed more touted transfers this offseason, but the most talked-about Wildcat in July isn’t new. It’s Trent Noah — the sophomore sharpshooter from Harlan County who’s quickly becoming Kentucky basketball’s unexpected X-factor.
Originally committed to South Carolina, Noah re-opened his recruitment after a whirlwind spring that saw Andy Enfield leave USC, Eric Musselman flee Arkansas, and John Calipari bolt from Kentucky to Fayetteville. Enter Pope, and the in-state kid decided to stay home.
Noah showed flashes as a freshman — most notably his 11-point game in Kentucky’s emotional home win over Tennessee — but inconsistency and limited minutes defined his first season:
2024-25 Stats: 24 GP, 11.1 MIN, 45.1 FG%, 33.3 3P%, 2.7 PPG.
Still, behind the scenes, Noah was building. He committed to Pope’s offseason program and reportedly made huge strides. Teammates have taken notice — loudly.
“He’s the best shooter I’ve ever seen,” said Jaland Lowe.
“He’s the best shooter in the gym,” freshman center Malachi Moreno added. “You could be there on the catch and he’s still going to get a shot off.”
But it's not just the shooting. Moreno praised Noah’s leadership and defensive mentoring, calling him “a really good teacher.” With Kentucky returning just a few key contributors from last year, those intangibles matter. They help relay Pope's message, they help players develop faster. It is critical to have guys willing to step up and lead the program after they have experience on what is expected.
He might not lead the Wildcats in points or minutes, but Trent Noah’s toughness, touch, and experience could be the glue this new-look squad needs. If Kentucky surprises people this season, don't be surprised if the kid from Harlan is right in the middle of it.