Recent UK signee Joey Hart, left, impressed Lyon County standout Travis Perry when he saw him play. (UK Athletics Photo)
Lyon County star Travis Perry watched recent UK signee Joey Hart play last year in a team showcase event at Collins High School.
“They played two games before us. He’s a great shooter. That really sticks out to me. That game at Collins he started with six or seven 3’s in the first quarter,” Perry said.
“He has good elevation on his shot and his mechanics are really good. He’s wired to shoot. He’s also really athletic. He can get up quick and he can guard. He’s a great player.”
The Linton, Ind., standout played on the Adidas circuit where Perry also played. The Lyon star said Hart played against talented players and shot over 40 percent from 3-point range.
“That (shooting percentage) is insane and translates to the next level where he will be surrounded by a lot of great players,” Perry said.
The 6-5 Hart seems to have many of the same traits that UK signee Reed Sheppard of North Laurel and Perry both have. Perry calls that a “fair” comparison in his mind.
“He is a guy who likes to play the right way. He goes out to win, make shots and does what he does,” Perry said. “He is super athletic, makes plays above the rim and is a dead-eye shooter from 3. He’s a really good player.
“He is one of those guys who is both athletic and a shooter and it is a lot harder to guard a guy who can put the ball on the floor, get to the rim but yet shoot like he does.”
20 Responses
He is going to be a career bench warmer!
I agree Gary. Career bench warmer and practice dummy.
With his skills he’ll be playing at some point.
Well I hate to say this but both of you are wrong. And will be very surprised. He’s super athletic who can do more than shoot he’s very quick and should be very productive, but what do I know when you two have already made up your mind especially without seeing him play!!
Preach it David
I agree give him a chance these people saying negative things are exactly why we had a problem getting players. Thanks a lot mr negatives you really helped on the recruiting train.
May very well be in error , but it seems Shepard, Hart & Perry have a very similar skill set – and that is a huge compliment as all three are indeed extraordinary players. However can’t see the same three on the floor at the same time – ever. Perry’s decision will boil down to how much blue blood courses thru his veins !
With you 100 percent Paul
I played against his Dad Joey Sr. In high school. The Basketball blood runs deep in this family. His Dad played college at Coastal Carolina and has 430 wins as a high school Coach and 3 appearances in the State Championship game and his Grandfather was a long time and very successful high school Coach who Coached former Iowa University guard Brody Boyd to a State Class 1A Runners – up finish in 2000.
Be prepared to be surprised by this kid.
People’s comments are ridiculous about bench warming …they have no idea who has the juice to translate to this level , besides with the portal there is no such thing as a career bench warmer.
I think he is underestimated too Dustin
I’m amazed how some write this youngster off before ever playing a game. Time will tell about his game and what he could bring to the Cats!! Here’s to hoping he proves the naysayers wrong!!! I’m hoping he’s the “dead eye “ shooter that we’ve been lacking for several seasons now. The Cats (minus Reeves at times last season) hasn’t a a TRUE long distance shooter in quite a while. Hope this kid turns into just that.
I’ve been wrong before. Just seems like he’s in the back of the line of Wagner,Dillingham, Reeves, then Sheppard, Hart or Hart, Sheppard. We’ll see.
By SEC time there are several guys that don’t get to play anymore and I believe he’ll be one of them.
Should be a very productive player for us based on everything I’ve heard about him.
Grateful UK got this young man. Pedigree is solid. Character n work ethic superb – team, winning, competitor. Skill set is D1. Like Shepherd, well gladly take mr hart! Hopefully mr perry follows. UK needs 2 n 3 year players for a foundation moving ahead imho, AND basketball-ers that are KENTUCKY all- in. Maybe? CATSCatscats!
So am I D1fullride
I like everything I’ve seen and read about Hart. He could’ve went to other schools including his home state schools where it would’ve been easier to get early playing time. Talent, size, athleticism, good shooter and his father/advisor is a coach. He wants to be a Wildcat and is not afraid of the competition! I’m a big fan already.
So do I BW
y’all sleeping on him 😴 TP