Les Nicholson Photo
Harlan County standout Trent Noah has been released from his letter-of-intent with South Carolina and has re-opened his commitment.
In a social media post, Noah said he “will be reopening my recruitment with hopes of pursuing basketball opportunities closer to home.” .
Noah signed with the Gamecocks over Dayton, Saint Louis, Stanford, Richmond, Western Kentucky, Butler and Seton Hall.
Noah, an All-State performer, led Harlan to the state finals last season. losing to Lyon County in the finale. The 6-foot-6 200-pound forward averaged 29.9 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. He scored 3,707 points in his career, fifth on the state’s all-time list. He scored 35 points in the first round, 48 in the second round, 29 in the semifinals and 17 in the championship game loss to Lyon County in the Sweet Sixteen.
Noah has ties to Kentucky. His grandfather, Pesky Bryant, played football for the Wildcats from 1961-63 under Charlie Bradshaw.
Noah could be a target for Kentucky coach Mark Pope and would pair with Kentucky Mr. Basketball Travis Perry as the team’s two incoming freshmen. During a press conference last month, Pope said he will emphasize recruiting elite state talent.
“From Richie Farmer (cheers) and all of the instate greats that came before him, including Reed (Sheppard) last year … But before Richie and after Travis (Perry) and everybody in-between that is an instate Kentucky kid, these young men that grow up in Kentucky, they bring a spirit to the team that cannot be fabricated or replaced. And it helps us to win, and we will continue to recruit them.”
7 Responses
Almost everyone in BBN wants Noah on our team. He can play SG and SF filling a need that we still have. It will also be Mark’s first opportunity to show his commitment to bringing in Kentucky all-state talent. I would be thrilled to see Noah become a Wildcat!
Now if that doesn’t bring a tear to your eye you’re not a real UK fan !
I’ve always thought we should bring in that specific years Mr. Basketball.
That’s leaves 9 scholarships for the high flyers !
It really depends on each kid. Does he want to come to UK and sit on the bench and play sparingly or does he want playing time in hopes of developing faster and then transfer to a power school? I would love to see him at UK but he needs to understand that he will be recruited over based on his development. Could be 1, 2, 3, or even 4 years. It will depend on his desire, work ethic, and ultimately his development and who is available in the portal.
He has already signed with UK after a thrilling session with Coach Pope! (That’s what he envisions & is why he got SC to release him).
Every intense follower of UK BB for many decades wanted Noah to switch to UK as soon as we knew we got a REAL COACH who loves UK!
He will see reasonable PT (10 min) as a freshmen & increase each year til a starter.
KY Roots + UK Heart + Talent + Work Ethic + Team 1st attitude + REAL coach & Assistants = developed player molded into a winning TEAM!
We now have the number 1 and number 4 all time kentucky high-school scorers on the same team!
Noah is a Cat!
I Saw Noah in the state tournament! Me and my buddies just didn’t understand why old What’s His Name didn’t go after Noah and let South Carolina get him? Gosh! I’m so glad We have a coach that knows what it means to get Kentuckians who have dreamed all their lives about wearing the Big Blue!